Judge releases Strauss-Kahn without bail

Former International Monetary Fund leader Dominique Strauss-Kahn has been released from house arrest by a New York judge.

Today’s move comes after prosecutors said an extensive background investigation of the accuser case caused them to reassess the sex assault case.

The agreement cleared by State Supreme Court Justice Michael Obus in Manhattan does not give Strauss-Kahn his passport back, meaning he cannot head to France anytime soon.

The criminal case against him stands.

Strauss-Kahn was held without bail for nearly a week after his May arrest. He has since posted a total of $6m in cash bail and bond and has been confined to a Manhattan town house.

He denies allegations of trying to rape a hotel housekeeper.

He left the courtroom smiling, holding hands with his wife.