Art heist trial held up over lawyer's sneakers

BUCHAREST, Romania — Don't mess with my blue shoes, a lawyer told a court in Romania.

Defense lawyer Catalin Dancu was hit Tuesday with a fine of 5,000 lei ($1,148) — the maximum allowed — for flouting dress regulations and for being late at the trial of five Romanians accused of art theft.

Under his black robe, Dancu wore blue jeans and bright blue sneakers— triple-stripe models that he said cost 200 euros ($264).

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

Proceedings were adjourned after Dancu moved for the judge to be suspended in the case, 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.