Actor Blake pleads innocent

Actor Blake pleads innocent

Mr Blake thanked his supporters

Actor Robert Blake, awaiting trial in the US for the murder of his wife, has pleaded not guilty to all charges at his first court appearance since being released on bail.

Mr Blake, who was let out of prison on $1.5m (£1m) bail on 14 March after 12 months behind bars, entered his plea at Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday.

Mr Blake is accused of 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.

His co-defendant, his former bodyguard-handyman Earle Caldwell, also entered a "not guilty" plea on a murder conspiracy charge.

Mr Blake's trial date has not yet been set

Both waived their right to a speedy trial, which may not begin until October.

In court on Thursday, Mr Blake stood as prosecutor Pat Dixon read the charges against him.

Mr Dixon asked: "Mr Blake, to those charges how do you plead?"

"Not guilty, sir," Mr Blake said.

Mr Blake said he found his wife shot in their car after he went back to the restaurant to retrieve a handgun he carried for protection.

Ahead of Thursday's court appearance, Mr Blake - best-known for the 1970s US TV series Baretta - thanked everyone who had supported him while he was in jail.

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

He said he believed in the US legal system, and that he was happy to be alive.

"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," Mr Blake said.

Mr Blake's pre-trial hearing lasted nine days and evidence from 20 witnesses was heard.

A pre-trial hearing will take place on 19 June but no date for the trial itself has been set.