Fashion designer Anand Jon sentenced to 59 years in jail

 
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge David Wesley announced the judgement following a day-long passionate argument by 35-year-old Jon himself seeking a fresh trial.

In his ruling, Wesley said there were no new grounds for granting such a motion.

Jon showed no reaction as Judge Wesley said he should be incarcerated as long as possible for preying upon young girls and women.

Jon was convicted in November of 14 counts including forcible rape. Wesley said Jon must serve 14 years in state prison -- before he begins to serve a 45-year-to-life sentence. He was denied bail while he prepares his appeal. Soon thereafter Jon was immediately remanded to the custody of the state Department of Corrections.

The designer has been featured on the television show "America's Next Top Model" and worked with such celebrities as Paris Hilton and Mary J Blige.

Earlier appearing as his own counsel, Jon used most part of his defence to attack juror Alvin Dymally, who had reached out to his sister Sanjana, in an apparent attempt to woo her or to offer his assistance in influencing jury deliberations in his favour.

Appearing as a witness, Jon's mother Shashi Abraham told the court how Dymally had made casual, passing contact with her during the trial at one point reassuring her that Jon was innocent and he would be set free.

"Under Young's cross-examination, Abraham said she did not alert authorities early on about the contact because she was afraid," reported Steven Mikulan on LA Weekly Blog, who was present inside the court proceedings.

Mikulan wrote Jon's speeches, except for one detour into tears, were delivered in a loud, clear voice.

"I'm not perfect, but I'm not guilty," Jon was quoted as saying. During his defence, at one point, he even expressed frustration over the lawyers who defended his case earlier.