US anti-abortion gunman pleads not guilty

A US man accused of murdering abortion Doctor, George Tiller has said he did it to save the lives of unborn children.



Dr Tiller was killed by a single gunshot at his Wichita church on May 31 last year.



The accused, Scott Roeder has pleaded not guilty to murder, arguing that he committed manslaughter to prevent a greater harm.



Judge Warren Wilbert ruled that a charge of voluntary manslaughter could not be considered because abortion, including the late-term abortions conducted by Dr Tiller, was legal in Kansas.



However, the judge said the jury must only consider the more serious charge of premeditated murder.



The judge also ruled out a second-degree murder conviction, which does not involve premeditation.



Mr. Roeder faces a possible life sentence if found guilty.