NEW YORK ? BERNARD Madoff's lawyers have appealed his jailing, saying he should be released until sentencing because he never fled, even knowing he could expect to die in prison.

Mr Madoff's lawyers filed papers with a federal appeals court on Friday.

The disgraced money manager pleaded guilty Thursday to 11 felony counts, including securities fraud, in what may be the biggest fraud in Wall Street history.

His US$10 million (S$15.4 million) bail was immediately revoked.

His lawyers also say they need to consult with Mr Madoff to prepare for his June 16 sentencing, and his jailing makes that difficult.

An appeals court will hear the case next Thursday.

The 70-year-old Madoff faces up to 150 years in prison. -- AP