Proceedings get under way in Paris without accused who is said to be ‘extremely affected’ by ill health

The trial of Gérard Depardieu on sexual assault charges has opened in Paris in the absence of the French actor, who has declared himself to be ill.

His lawyer Jérémie Assous said earlier that the 75-year-old was “extremely affected” by ill health and that he had asked for the proceedings to be delayed until he could attend in person.