Bail for perjury charge Lord Archer

Millionaire author and Tory Lord Archer has appeared in court accused of perjury and perverting the course of justice over a successful libel action 13 years ago.

Millionaire author and Tory Lord Archer has appeared in court accused of perjury and perverting the course of justice over a successful libel action 13 years ago.

He stood alongside his former friend Ted Francis, who is accused of one charge of perverting the course of justice, at Bow Street Magistrates Court, London.

It is alleged Lord Archer asked television producer Mr Francis to lie in order to provide a false alibi for him during his action against the Daily Star newspaper in 1987.

The pair sat apart and failed to acknowledge each other during the seven-minute hearing before a packed court.

Lord Archer faces two counts of perverting the course of justice, two counts of perjury and one count of using a false instrument relating to diaries used in the libel case.

The peer, 60, dressed in a navy blue suit, blue shirt and red and grey striped tie, spoke only to confirm his name and address which he gave as Albert Embankment, central London.

Both men were remanded by district judge Timothy Workman to reappear at Bow Street Magistrates Court at 10am on November 14.

Around 20 journalists sat at the back of the court during which the best-selling novelist sat stony faced throughout.

Lord Archer arrived at the court in central London at 10.23am in a chauffeur-driven dark green BMW.

He was greeted by a battery of flashlights from waiting photographers - eight minutes after Mr Francis arrived.

Lord Archer left court at 10.45am and was mobbed by waiting photographers before being driven away.

Earlier he looked relaxed saying "good morning" to waiting reporters.

Representing the former deputy Tory Party chairman was defence lawyer Alexander Cameron of London firm of solicitors Mischon de Reya.

For the prosecution was lawyer Carmen Dowd. All of the charges were read out in court.

Tonight the best-selling novelist is due to star again in his courtroom drama The Accused at the Theatre Royal in Windsor.

At the end of each performance the audience is invited to decide on the guilt or innocence of Archer's character - a doctor accused of murdering his wife.