Court orders French 'rogue trader's' release

A French court has ordered the release from prison of a Societe Generale trader blamed for a massive fraud at the bank.

Jerome Kerviel wanted a provisional release from the grim La Sante prison in Paris. He has been held there since February 8.

Societe Generale blames Kerviel for allegedly unauthorized trades that cost it nearly €5bn.

Investigators said they wanted to keep Kerviel jailed to prevent him from speaking with accomplices – if he had any.

Kerviel says he acted alone.