John Galliano racism trial verdict announced in September

The verdict in John Galliano's racial abuse trial is to be announced in September.

The former creative head of Christian Dior was at first suspended
and eventually fired by the fashion house following his arrest for a series of incidents earlier this year where he allegedly made racist and anti-Semitic remarks.

Galliano appeared in a Paris court on Wednesday to face a charge of 'public insults based on origin, religious affiliation, race or ethnicity'.

His attorney claims that Galliano was in the throws of a "triple addiction to alcohol, benzodiazepine [valium] and sleeping pills" at the time of his arrest, and "does not remember" using the inflammatory language.

Yesterday's hearing included an account from one of the alleged victims Geraldine Bloch, who claims that the stylist insulted her Jewish heritage.

After both the prosecution and the defence presented their case, the presiding justice announced that Galliano is to return to the court on September 8 when an official ruling will be made public.

The designer could face six months in jail and a possible $32,000 (£19,853) fine upon his return to the French court this fall, and prosecutors reportedly suggested that he should be docked no less than $14,200 (£8,875).

There was no discussion of Galliano facing time behind bars, AFP reports.

During the proceedings, Galliano spoke openly about his drug dependency to the court, acknowledging the gravity of his actions and adding that he is continuing to seek treatment to fight his addiction.

"I apologise very much," Galliano told those in the courtroom. "I apologise for the sadness this whole affair has caused… I embrace every people, every race, creed, religion, sexuality."

Prior to his arrest in February, Galliano had been named British Fashion Designer of the Year on four occasions and was given a CBE in 2001.