IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn remains behind bars after a judge turned down his $US1 million bail offer as he awaits trial on sexual assault against a maid in a $3,000-a-night suite at a Manhattan hotel.
Strauss-Kahn offered to submit all his travel documents, post $US1 million ($A947,508) bail and reside with his daughter in New York until the next hearing on Friday, but the judge said no and ordered him to remain behind bars.
The decision to deny bail on the New York charges was a surprising and striking defeat for Strauss-Kahn, whom many saw as a leading contender to become France’s next president. He was taken to Rikers Island, where he will be held in protective custody in a single-person cell.
"This battle has just begun," defense attorney Benjamin Brafman told scores of reporters outside the courthouse, adding that Strauss-Kahn might appeal the bail denial.
Law enforcement sources told FoxNews.com that blood found on bed sheets in the luxury suite in Manhattan’s Sofitel Hotel, where Strauss-Kahn stayed Friday night, could support the sexual assault claim of the alleged victim.
The most serious charge carries five to 25 years in prison.
