Galliano 'to attend trial hearing'

John Galliano will attend his trial this week.

The troubled fashion designer has been in rehab since he allegedly made anti-Semetic remarks in a Paris cafe in February but insiders say he will be in court in the French capital for the initial hearing on Wednesday.

A source told Vogue.co.uk: "John is still in rehab. The treatment will be long and arduous - and ongoing for a long time in the future - but he is humble, apologetic and hopeful that he can recover."

The initial hearing – which will be held in front of three judges but no jury as it is a minor offence – is expected to last between four and five hours, with witnesses from both sides giving evidence.

The 50-year-old designer – who was fired from Dior over his remarks - is expected to blame a drug and alcohol addiction for the tirade, while his lawyer Aurelien Hamelle admits John can't remember the alleged incident.

Aurelien said: "He does not remember because he was in an altered state."

Speaking about the comments, the lawyer added: "They do not reflect what he thinks. He's not anti-Semitic or racist."