Strauss-Kahn set to plead not guilty

The former head of the International Monetary Fund, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, is today expected to plead not guilty to charges that he tried to rape a New York hotel maid, an accusation that has wrecked his hopes of becoming France's next President.

Mr Strauss-Kahn, 62, faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted at New York Supreme Court of a criminal sexual act, attempted rape, sex abuse, unlawful imprisonment and forcible touching.

Mr Strauss-Kahn was praised for his role in tackling the global financial crisis.