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Wednesday, 25 July, 2001, 15:13 GMT 16:13 UK
Lord Archer jailed for lying
Lord Archer has been one of the most colourful characters in British politics. But when an Old Bailey jury found him guilty of perjury and perverting the course of justice his career seemed to be in tatters. As he begins a four year prison sentence questions are being asked about how the flamboyant peer managed to survive so long before his lies caught up with him. BBC News Online looks at his extraordinary career and his dramatic fall from grace
July 26 2001 Mary stands by her man
July 25 2001 Funds under scrutiny
Guilty verdict
Complex background
The charges stemmed from a newspaper investigation into the 1987 libel trial which Lord Archer won. Crucial evidence revealed that he had lied under oath. Duncan Kennedy looks back at the story behind the case.
Out for revenge
The Daily Star paid Lord Archer �500,000 libel damages in 1987. After the case the current editor Peter Hill said it had submitted a claim for re-imbursement and costs with interest totalling �2.2m
Francis acquitted
The case was brought after Archer's former friend Ted Francis decided to tell his story. He was acquitted of perjury after saying the false alibi he gave was to protect the marriage. He spoke to the BBC's Peter Sissons.
Satisfactory outcome
Lord Archer's biographer Michael Crick has investigated the millionaire's wrongdoings for several years. He warned William Hague that Archer was untrustworthy. He gave his reaction after the trial ended.
Career ruined
Lord Archer's career in politics went from MP, to minister, to deputy party leader before he entered the House of Lords. William Hague made him the Conservative candidate for mayor of London despite warnings that he was untrustworthy. David Shukman reports.
A humiliating experience
Former Conservative minister Jonathan Aitken served seven months in prison in 1999 for perjury after a high profile Old Bailey trial. He said Jeffrey Archer's heart "would be in his boots" as he arrived at Belmarsh high security jail in South London.
Important women
Three women played key roles in the case. His secretary Angela Peppiat who gave lengthy evidence, Andrina Colqhoun; with whom he had an affair - and his wife Mary who remained loyal throughout. Nicholas Witchell reports.
A life of lies
On the day the Archer trial finished, Panorama had all the latest twists and turns of Lord Archer's exciting life story. Reporter Michael Crick is Lord Archer's foremost chronicler. He has written an unauthorised biography of the politician and novelist, now in its third edition. |
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