John Galliano found guilty of anti-Semitic Paris rants - Page 2

Gerald · 09-08-11, 10:09 AM

Lawyer Aurelien Hamelle says John Galliano is "relieved" and looking "to put all of this behind him".

British fashion designer John Galliano, who has admitted anti-Semitic insults at a Paris restaurant, has been given suspended fines totalling 6,000 euros (£5,250; $8,400).

The designer, fired by the Dior fashion house over the affair, said he had no recollection of the two events and denied being racist.

Mr Galliano apologised for his behaviour at a one-day trial in June.

He blamed drug and alcohol addictions for his outburst.

Prosecutors had asked for a fine of 10,000 euros ($14,000; £8,800).

The BBC's Christian Fraser, in Paris, says the greatest punishment has been the damage to Mr Galliano's career; he was sacked by Dior after his arrest and the cost to his reputation has been far bigger than any fine a court can impose.

Our correspondent says the judges were convinced that this was a man who needed help rather than punishment.

A lawyer for Mr Galliano said after the ruling: "Mr Galliano is relieved. Relieved that these eight months are behind him. He is looking forward to a future with understanding and forgiveness, hopefully, and to put all of this behind him."

'I apologise'

Mr Galliano did not attend Thursday's sentencing.

In addition to the suspended fines, Mr Galliano was ordered to pay a symbolic euro in damages to each of his victims and to five anti-racism groups who were also complainants. He will also pay legal costs for the plaintiffs.

Mr Galliano had been charged with "public insults based on origin, religious affiliation, race or ethnicity". The offences carried a maximum sentence of six months in jail, but prosecutors did not ask for the designer to be sent to prison.

The fines related to incidents on the evenings of 8 October 2010 and 24 February 2011 at La Perle cafe in the Marais district of Paris.

During his trial on 22 June, the court heard how Mr Galliano harangued museum curator Geraldine Bloch about being Jewish, in the February incident.

He also hurled racist insults at her friend, who is of South Asian origin, for 45 minutes before police came to break up the argument, the court heard.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-14833259

Note: 8 September 2011 Last updated at 12:49 GMT

09-08-11, 10:09 AM	#1
Gerald SUBSIM Newsman Join Date: May 2008 Location: Close to sea Posts: 24,254 Downloads: 553 Uploads: 0	John Galliano found guilty of anti-Semitic Paris rants Lawyer Aurelien Hamelle says John Galliano is "relieved" and looking "to put all of this behind him". British fashion designer John Galliano, who has admitted anti-Semitic insults at a Paris restaurant, has been given suspended fines totalling 6,000 euros (£5,250; $8,400). The designer, fired by the Dior fashion house over the affair, said he had no recollection of the two events and denied being racist. Mr Galliano apologised for his behaviour at a one-day trial in June. He blamed drug and alcohol addictions for his outburst. Prosecutors had asked for a fine of 10,000 euros ($14,000; £8,800). The BBC's Christian Fraser, in Paris, says the greatest punishment has been the damage to Mr Galliano's career; he was sacked by Dior after his arrest and the cost to his reputation has been far bigger than any fine a court can impose. Our correspondent says the judges were convinced that this was a man who needed help rather than punishment. A lawyer for Mr Galliano said after the ruling: "Mr Galliano is relieved. Relieved that these eight months are behind him. He is looking forward to a future with understanding and forgiveness, hopefully, and to put all of this behind him." 'I apologise' Mr Galliano did not attend Thursday's sentencing. In addition to the suspended fines, Mr Galliano was ordered to pay a symbolic euro in damages to each of his victims and to five anti-racism groups who were also complainants. He will also pay legal costs for the plaintiffs. Mr Galliano had been charged with "public insults based on origin, religious affiliation, race or ethnicity". The offences carried a maximum sentence of six months in jail, but prosecutors did not ask for the designer to be sent to prison. The fines related to incidents on the evenings of 8 October 2010 and 24 February 2011 at La Perle cafe in the Marais district of Paris. During his trial on 22 June, the court heard how Mr Galliano harangued museum curator Geraldine Bloch about being Jewish, in the February incident. He also hurled racist insults at her friend, who is of South Asian origin, for 45 minutes before police came to break up the argument, the court heard. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-14833259 Note: 8 September 2011 Last updated at 12:49 GMT __________________ Nothing in life is to be feard,it is only to be understood. Marie Curie