Kim Kardashian releases powerful statement after eight people found guilty for Paris gunpoint robbery

Kim Kardashian has thanked French authorities for 'pursuing justice' after eight people were convicted of robbing her at gunpoint.

The reality TV star and businesswoman had $10 million (£7.55 million) worth of jewellery stolen from her while staying in a Paris hotel during fashion week in 2016.

Kardashian had been staying in a suite at luxury Hotel de Pourtales in October 2016 when a group of masked men disguised as police broke into her room. The reality star was tied up while the assailants stole the expensive jewels, which included a $6 million (£4.4 million) engagement ring given to her by former husband Kanye West.

Eight of the 10 individuals on trial have now been found guilty of armed robbery, with the convicted - who are in their 60s and 70s - receiving sentences ranging from custodial sentences to a fine.

The 44-year-old attended the trial to testify (LEO VIGNAL/AFP via Getty Images)

The 44-year-old has since released a statement expressing gratitude over the outcome, saying that she 'will never forget what happened' on the fateful night.

"The crime was the most terrifying experience of my life, leaving a lasting impact on me and my family," Kardashian said in a statement, issued via PEOPLE.

"While I’ll never forget what happened, I believe in the power of growth and accountability and pray for healing for all.

"I remain committed to advocating for justice, and promoting a fair legal system."

Kardashian's attorneys Michael Rhodes, Léonor Hennerick and Jonathan Mattou added that she 'appreciates the Court’s decision and once again thanks the French authorities for treating her with great respect throughout the process.'

"It has been a long journey from that terrible night back in 2016 to her standing courageously in a historic Paris courtroom to confront these criminals," their statement added.

"She looks forward to putting this tragic episode behind her, as she continues working to improve the criminal justice system on behalf of victims, the innocent, and the incarcerated seeking to redeem themselves."

Kardashian relived the events during her testimony to the court, saying she believed she would 'raped and murdered' during the heist. "I was certain that was the moment that he was going to rape me. I absolutely did think I was going to die," she testified.

She had been staying at the Hotel de Pourtales when the attack happened (Marc Piasecki/Getty Images)

Nine men and one woman were tried in the case, with the French court finding the group's ringleader and seven others guilty.

Of those convicted, seven received custodial sentences ranging from three to eight years. However none of the defendants will go to prison due to time served in pre-trial detention.

Addressing the 'quite lenient' sentence, Judge David De Pas said the poor health of the defendants made it unethical to incarcerate them.

"It would have been unjust to take you to prison this evening," he said.