US President George W Bush has said he doesn’t rule out a pardon for a White House aide a day after he spared him a prison sentence. Lewis “Scooter” Libby, who was supposed to be sent to jail for two and a half years on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice, will be allowed to remain free while he appeals his conviction.

President Bush said his decision respects the rule of law: “I thought that the jury verdict should stand. I felt the punishment was severe. So I made a decision that would commute his sentence but leave in place a serious fine and probation. As to the future, I, you know, rule nothing in and nothing out,” said Bush.

Lewis Libby remains guilty of four felonies for lying about his role in the leak of a CIA officer’s identity, a criminal offence in the United States.

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