6 June 2011 Last updated at 15:59

In pictures: Dominique Strauss-Kahn pleads not guilty

Dominique Strauss-Kahn (centre) and his wife Anne Sinclair (right) arrive at the state Supreme Court in Manhattan, New York City

The former head of the International Monetary Fund, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, has appeared at a Manhattan court, charged with sexually assaulting a chamber maid at a luxury hotel last month.

Dominique Strauss-Kahn (centre) appears with his lawyers Ben Brafman (right) and William Taylor (left) in court

Standing between his defence team and watched by his wife, Anne Sinclair, the former French finance minister formally pleaded not guilty at the arraignment hearing. He had already insisted he was innocent.

He is due back in the New York court on 18 July as part of a process expected to culminate in a lengthy trial.

Journalists queue to go inside for the hearing

This was Mr Strauss-Kahn's first court appearance since he was released on $6m (£3.7m) in cash bail and bond last month. He is being held under house arrest, with 24-hour monitoring and armed guards, at a $50,000-a-month townhouse in the city's Tribeca district.

Hotel workers await the arrival of Dominique Strauss-Kahn at courts

About 50 hotel workers gathered outside the courthouse, many wearing their work uniforms.

Hotel workers shout as Dominique Strauss-Kahn and his wife Anne Sinclair leave court

They shouted “Shame on you” as Mr Strauss-Kahn arrived, and again as he left in a black sport utility vehicle.

Dominique Strauss-Kahn and his wife Anne Sinclair leave court, flanked by bodyguards

The case has cost Mr Strauss-Kahn his job at the IMF, which has yet to name a replacement, and a chance to stand for the presidency of France next year.

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In pictures: Dominique Strauss-Kahn pleads not guilty

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