Shoe-bomb suspect denies terrorism charges

The shoe-bomb suspect has pleaded not guilty to the nine charges he faces after allegedly trying to blow up a transatlantic flight.

Richard Reid has appeared at Boston Federal Court.

He is charged with offences including attempted murder and attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction.

It is alleged he hid explosives in his shoes on a flight from Paris to Miami on December 22.

The petty thief, from south London, has been held on remand in Boston.

He faces five life sentences if found guilty of all counts.

The charges against him are: attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction; attempted murder; attempted homicide; placing an explosive device on an aircraft; attempted destruction of an aircraft; using an explosive device during a crime of violence; attempting wrecking of a mass transportation vehicle and two counts of interfering with air crew.

Reid had shackles on his ankles and wrists and was wearing orange prison overalls at the court appearance.

Reid appeared in court a day after a federal grand jury laid a nine count indictment against him. He faces a maximum penalty of life in prison if convicted.

Reid, 28, answered "not guilty" to the first eight charges, including attempting to murder the 197 passengers and crew members aboard American Airlines Flight 63. For technical reasons, the defence had the judge enter the innocent plea on the ninth charge.