‘Sorry can’t come to my trial – I’m in France’

A Tube passenger accused of assaulting a commuter was unable to attend court because he is living in France.

Gregory Ballester, 46, is said to have attacked James Alexander at Waterloo Underground Station on 12 February 2019.

Mr Alexander’s glasses and briefcase were also damaged in the incident, Inner London Crown Court heard.

Ballester is back living in France and was preparing to return to the UK to enter pleas, but was unable to get two vaccinations in time to return, the court heard.

Judge Usha Karu said: ‘He is not able to attend a trial at the moment, isn’t he, because he is outside the jurisdiction.’

The Frenchman has since received two Covid vaccinations, the court heard.

Ballester, formerly of Teesdale Street, Bethnal Green, east London, is charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and criminal damage.

Judge Karu released Ballester on unconditional bail ahead of a pre-trial hearing on 22 March.

His trial is currently fixed at Inner London Crown Court for 9 May.