New Delhi, Sep 1 - Last month, the fashion fraternity here had come out in full support of US-based Indian-born fashion designer Anand Jon and on Monday, when a Los Angeles court sentenced him to 59 years in prison for sexually assaulting young women, there was a sense of disappointment all around.

Top designer Leena Singh of designer duo Ashima-Leena summed up the general feeling when she said that all she wanted from the trial was that no questions should be left unanswered - which perhaps had not happened in this case.

'It's the fundamental right of every individual to get a fair trial. All I wanted was that Jon should get a fair trial and there should be no unanswered questions left, either for his family or his friends,' Leena told IANS on the phone from Kuwait, where she is showcasing her works.

Jon, who dressed celebrities like Janet Jackson and Paris Hilton and who appeared on the reality television show 'America's Next Top Model', was arrested in the US in 2007 on charges of raping more than a dozen models. On Nov 16, he was convicted of 16 charges, including rape and sexual assault.

Acting as his own attorney, Jon presented a lengthy argument in the court and urged a new trial, citing the inadequate defence by his former attorneys. On Monday, however, Judge David Wesley denied his motion and handed down the hefty sentence while Jon's victims wept in the jury box.

Wesley sentenced the designer to the maximum sentence for all but two of those counts, saying he showed no remorse for his actions and posed a danger to other young women.

The verdict shocked Anand's sister Sanjana, who is currently in India to garner the government's support for her brother.

'I want support from media to spread the word of injustice that has been bestowed on us. My voice can't be heard unless and until the media supports me and helps in getting us heard. Also, I want the government to take some quick action and look into the legalities of this case,' said a devastated Sanjana.