Actor Blake thanks supporters

Actor Blake thanks supporters

Robert Blake is on bail of $1.5m

Actor Robert Blake, awaiting trial in the US for the murder of his wife, has thanked everyone who supported him while he was in jail.

Mr Blake, released on $1.5m (£1m) bail on 13 March after 12 months in prison, said in Van Nuys, California on Thursday that he believed in the US legal system, and that he was happy to be alive.

Mr Blake denies shooting Bonny Lee Bakley in May 2001 as she sat in his car outside a restaurant in Los Angeles where the couple had just dined.

He will be tried for murder, soliciting murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and a special charge of lying in wait.

Mr Blake was speaking ahead of his first court appearance where he was expected to enter a plea and have a trial date set.

Mr Blake's wife Bonny Lee Bakley was found dead in his car

"I have always been the guy who could take care of himself for better or worse but when I was in there the support that I got from people I never met really saved my life. I believe in America," Mr Blake said.

"I know there is a lot of big important trouble in the world and it is silly for me to be just standing here talking about myself...

"I just want to thank all the people that supported me with simple beautiful words... I am standing here in front of you and that is proof that this is America and the system still works."

The actor is best-known for his role as the police detective Baretta in the 1970s.

He will stand trial alongside his former bodyguard Earle Caldwell, who is charged with conspiracy to murder. Mr Caldwell also denies the charges.

Mr Blake's pre-trial hearing included evidence from 20 witnesses.