PARIS—Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy went back on trial on Wednesday, this time on charges of illegally financing his failed 2012 re-election bid, but judges adjourned proceedings due to the absence of a defence lawyer sick with COVID-19. Sarkozy, 66, was not present for the opening of the trial, which comes less than three weeks after he was sentenced to three years in prison for corruption and influence-peddling. Prosecutors allege that Sarkozy’s party, then known as the UMP, splurged nearly double the 22.5 million euros ($27 million) permitted under electoral law on extravagant campaign rallies, then used a friendly public relations agency to hide the cost. In their indictment, the prosecutors acknowledge their investigation had failed to prove Sarkozy either organised or was involved in the scheme, but argue that he benefited from it and must have been aware of it. “The election candidate and his inner circle opted to …