The President of the United States of America, George W Bush has admitted in a television address that he had spent "many a late night gettin' down with Osama and the lads."

Responding to allegations in a respected financial magazine, Mr Bush claimed that, "yeh, me and Osama got it on, but, although we go way back, and his daddy helped me out a couple o'times, I do not, I repeat, I do not see this as an excuse not to smoke him out and kill him."

The statement refers to suggestions that Mr Bush ought to show some solidarity with bin Laden due to their "checkered, yet, completely pleasant history."

A spokeswoman for bin Laden was refused permission to speak, though sources close to the Saudi dissedent told reporters that he is "fuming with Georges attitude."

It is not yet clear whether Prime Minister Blair was also involved in "bin Laden binge bashes" as they have been dubbed. Mr Blair was due to face cameras to issue a statement but Downing street cancelled the address due to take place tonight, citing "bad light."

The trial continues...

Reuters