Anand Jon may benefit from victims' weak testimony

Los Angeles, Sept 29 : While two alleged victims of Anand Jon have testified against him in the court presiding over the case, their weak evidence may work in favour of the Indian-born fashion designer.

According to writer Sharon Waxman, the stories of the alleged victims were not strong enough to stand up under scrutiny, which could also lend weight to the argument of the defense.

Heather claimed that in 2003, when she was just 14, Jon tongue-kissed her at a fashion event. She said that Jon 'terrified' her.

However, under cross-examination, Heather admitted that at the time of going to the police about the incident, she had not mentioned that she was terrified - a key component in proving sexual assault.

Holly Gavel, who testified that Jon had raped her, was among the group of 11 victims prosecutors removed just before the trial began.

However, she was called to testify, most probably to establish a pattern of Jon's behaviour.

The 20-year-old - who lived with Jon, paid him rent, and worked as his assistant - detailed how Jon raped her in 2006, including oral and anal sex.

However, under two hours of cross-examination by Tony Brooklier, she seemed unable to remember much of what was asked of her.

After she was supposedly raped by Jon, Gavel went with his mother and sister to India.

"I wanted to get away and AIDS awareness is a very important thing people need to know about," Gavel said.

ANI