Archer to stand trial for perjury

Lord Archer is facing five charges

Lord Archer has been committed to the Old Bailey over allegations that he asked a friend to lie for him during a major libel case.

The 60-year-old Tory peer faces five charges - two of perjury, two of perverting the course of justice and one of using a false instrument concerning diaries in his libel trial against the Daily Star newspaper in 1987.

Ted Francis: Accused of perverting the course of justice

He appeared at Bow Street Magistrates' Court along with his former friend Ted Francis who is facing one charge of perverting the course of justice.

It is alleged that Lord Archer asked Mr Francis, a television producer, to lie for him in order to provide a false alibi in the high-level libel case.

The former deputy Tory Party chairman will appear at the Old Bailey for the first time on 12 December, although his trial is expected to start at a later date.