Dominique Strauss-Kahn given $1m bail, but must wear an electronic tag

In a packed courtroom in New York, Strauss-Kahn heard prosecutors confirm that a grand jury had voted for an indictment.

In front of his wife and his daughter - who attended the session in lower Manhattan - it was alleged that the proof against the French politician was "substantial" and "continues to grow by the day".

The married 62-year-old is expected to face counts of committing a criminal sexual act, attempted rape, sex abuse, forcible touching and unlawful imprisonment. Further details of the indictment are due to be released today.

If convicted of the most serious charge, Strauss-Kahn could face up to 25 years behind bars. The former IMF managing director smiled to family members in court as he arrived for the bail hearing, dressed in a blue shirt and sports jacket.

Since Monday, the man once tipped as being the next French president has been residing at New York's Riker Island prison, where he has been on suicide watch.

In court yesterday, defence lawyers argued that Strauss-Kahn does not pose a flight risk. His attorney William Taylor told the court: "The conditions we propose are more than sufficient and meet the standards of the law to ensure his appearance."

He proposed a $1 million surety and conditions in which he would live with his wife in a rented home in New York City.

As well as an electronic monitoring tag, there would be video cameras and a 24-hour guard, his lawyers said as they pushed for bail.

Mr Taylor said his client had "only one interest at this time and that is to clear his name".

The lawyer added: "We expect that Mr Strauss-Kahn will be vindicated, but that is for another day."

But prosecutors maintained that the defendant was a flight risk.

Assistant district attorney John McConnell said: "The proof against him is substantial and continues to grow every day."

He added: "The victim was given a complete forensic examination and the result of the examination was consistent with her account."