Cambridge shoe-thrower appears in court

CAMBRIDGE, England, Feb. 10 (UPI) -- British authorities say a student accused of throwing his shoe at China's premier has apologized but pleaded not guilty to a charge of public disorder.

Martin Jahnke, 27, a German pathology student at Cambridge University, pleaded not guilty Monday in his first court appearance since his arrest, The Daily Telegraph reported Tuesday.

Jahnke was arrested last week after he allegedly threw his shoe at Wen Jiabao and shouted the university was "prostituting itself" by letting Wen lecture on campus.

Jahnke also faces expulsion from Cambridge, which has forwarded his letter of apology to Wen, the Telegraph reported, noting Wen has asked Cambridge to be lenient toward Jahnke.

University officials said Jahnke's letter of apology recognized his behavior toward Wen lacked the respect and the courtesy due a guest.

Jahnke is involved in important genetic research studies at Cambridge involving diabetes, arthritis and multiple sclerosis, the Telegraph said.