London - Millionaire author and playwright Lord Archer (61) appeared at the Old Bailey yesterday. The former deputy chairman of the Conservative Party and his co-defendant, television producer Mr Ted Francis (67), were in the dock for a pre-trial hearing.
It is alleged that Lord Archer, a former London mayoral candidate, asked Mr Francis to lie for him during a libel case. He has pleaded not guilty to five charges - two of perjury, two of perverting the course of justice and one of using a false instrument, relating to diaries used in his libel case against the Daily Star in 1987. Mr Francis, from Cranleigh, Surrey, has denied a single charge of perverting the course of justice.
Yesterday's proceedings, which cannot be reported for legal reasons, were adjourned until 10.30 a.m. today. The trial is not expected to begin before Tuesday and could last a month.