Gerard Depardieu has stayed away from a Paris court where he faces a drink-driving charge, days after taking Russian citizenship in a tax row, BBC News reported.

The actor pleaded guilty earlier to riding a scooter while three times over the alcohol limit in November.

Last month, Depardieu announced his decision to move to Belgium to avoid a new French top tax rate of 75%.

The film star received his Russian passport at the weekend but retains his French citizenship.

On the eve of the court hearing, Depardieu was in Switzerland for the annual Ballon D'Or football award ceremony.

The charge of drink-driving carries a maximum fine of 4,500 euros (£3,660; $5,880) and a sentence of up to two years in prison, along with six penalty points.