John Galliano has blamed his addiction to alcohol, sleeping tablets and valium for his recent anti-Semetic remarks.

The troubled designer - who reportedly launched a verbal attack on a couple in a Paris cafe in February and was fired as Christian Dior's creative director in March after a video showed him apparently drunk, telling a woman in a cafe he "loved Hitler" - was in court yesterday (22.06.11) where his lawyer blamed his behaviour on his substance abuse problems.

Aurelian Hamelle told the Paris court: "One obvious thing is that John Galliano was ill. He had a triple addiction to alcohol, benzodiazepine (valium) and sleeping pills."

The lawyer said Galliano - who has since been in rehab to receive treatment for his addictions - was mortified to see how he acted in the video and denies being anti-Semetic.

Five people were to give evidence in the trial, which ended yesterday, and the verdict is due on September 8.

If he is found guilty, he faces a fine of up to £19,500 and a six-month prison sentence.

Following the incidents, Galliano apologised for his remarks.

He said: "Anti-Semitism and racism have no part in our society. I unreservedly apologise for my behaviour in causing any offence."