A lawyer has been fined €1,120 for entering a Romanian court wearing blue suede trainers.

Judge Ioan Adrian Chitoiu gave defence lawyer Catalin Dancu a maximum fine of 5,000 lei for flouting dress regulations and for being late at the trial of five people accused of art theft.

Mr Dancu had a black robe over jeans and the bright blue trainers- triple-stripe models which he said cost €200.

"I am scented, shaved and fresh," he said, explaining he had been delayed in another court. "I am going to contest this fine."

Proceedings were adjourned after Mr Dancu moved for the judge to be suspended, which another court will rule on.

The five defendants are being tried for the theft of seven paintings by Picasso, Matisse and Monet among others which were stolen in October from Rotterdam's Kunsthal gallery.

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