San Diego

An attorney who failed to show up to testify at the preliminary hearing of accused madam Karen Wilkening was found in contempt of court Tuesday and fined $1,000.

Wesley Harris, 56, who specializes in personal injury lawsuits, allegedly was a customer of Wilkening’s call-girl ring.

Municipal Court Judge Fred Link entered the finding Tuesday after Judge Lisa Guy-Schall recused herself from the case. Harris’ attorney, Nelson Brav, had requested Guy-Schall’s removal, saying that she had been angered and inconvenienced by Harris’ non-appearance and that another judge should hear the matter.

Guy-Schall dismissed two counts of pimping against Wilkening because of Harris’ failure to show up.

Harris was was subpoenaed to testify a month ago by the district attorney’s office, but, according to Brav, Harris went on a vacation that week. His recreational vehicle broke down in Pine Valley one day, Brav said, and on the final day of the hearing, Harris was suddenly hospitalized on his doctor’s recommendation because of high blood pressure.

Wilkening, 42, faces trial on Aug. 4 on prostitution charges. A separate case is also set for Aug. 4, and prosecutors are seeking to have them tried together.