One of Europe's top mime artists has avoided a Scottish drink driving case after prosecutors decided to drop the charge against him.

Francois Lecoq - son of legendary French mime artist Jacques Lecoq - was arrested during a trip to Scotland and charged with being drunk in charge of his car.

Mr Lecoq was due to go on trial in Perth yesterday but his case was not called after he had previously told the court he was not prepared to travel from Paris.

The 48-year-old - who is considered such a significant figure his image is displayed by the National Galleries of Scotland - told Perth Sheriff Court he had no intention of coming for a trial.

And the Crown Office yesterday confirmed it was no longer pursuing the case against the French actor and mime instructor. The case was dropped without any public explanation.