George Clooney testifies in fashion fraud trial

Actor George Clooney has appeared in court in Italy to testify in the fraud trial of three people accused of using his name to set up a fashion label.

Fans packed the Milan courtroom to see Mr Clooney, who brought the civil action against the trio, give evidence.

As he made his way through the crowd into court the Ocean's Eleven star quipped: "Don't crush my lawyers."

The defendants allegedly tried to launch a fashion line GC, claiming Mr Clooney was behind it.

Stolen goods

"I came here because I believe in the judicial system and because there were people using my name to take advantage of people," the 49-year-old actor told the court.

The defendants - Vincenzo Cannalire, Francesco Galdelli and Vanja Goffi - have been accused of fraud, forgery and possession of stolen goods. Only Mr Cannalire was present at the hearing.

The trial involves a fashion show held in a Milan hotel in April 2008. The defendants are accused of using Mr Clooney's name in an attempt to promote a fashion line during the event.

Addressing the court through an interpreter, Mr Clooney said photos purportedly showing him with two of the defendants were doctored and that his signature on documents was forged.

After his 90-minute testimony, Judge Pietro Caccialanza thanked Mr Clooney and said the session "has lasted as long as a movie".