Libby pleads not guilty as CIA leak case enters the courtroom

US VICE President Dick Cheney’s former chief of staff yesterday pleaded not guilty in the CIA leak scandal, marking the start of what could be a long road to a trial in which top Bush officials could be summoned to testify.

Once the charges were read and US District Judge Reggie Walton asked for his response, Lewis ‘Scooter’ Libby said: “With respect, your honour, I plead not guilty.”

Mr Libby, who is recovering from a foot injury, leaned his crutches against a podium from which lawyers normally question witnesses or address the court.