Brawl may cost ex-Enron chief £1m

LAWYERS for former Enron chief Jeffrey Skilling are arguing that the disgraced high-flier should not have to pay an extra $2m (£1.1m) in bond money after a drunken scuffle in New York City last month.

They say prosecutors have distorted what happened in the incident in which Skilling scuffled with bar patrons during a night of heavy drinking in Manhattan.

When he was taken to hospital after the fight, he had a blood alcohol level of more than twice New York State's legal driving limit. Prosecutors say the incident violated his $5m bond agreement because he failed to report his contact with police to authorities.

Skilling's lawyer said in a court filing that while his client regretted the episode, it did not happen as reported.

Meanwhile Lea Fastow, wife of former Enron finance chief Andrew Fastow, has entered a new plea bargain with prosecutors who have now charged her with a misdemeanour offence over tax payments. The deal avoids a trial that neither side wants.