The court properly exercised its discretion in denying defendant's motion to withdraw his plea ( see People v. Frederick, 45 NY2d 520). The record establishes that the plea was knowing, intelligent and voluntary. When, during the allocution, defendant initially cast doubt on his guilt, the court conducted a further colloquy with defendant that erased any such doubt ( see e.g. People v. Bell, 245 AD2d 76, lv denied 91 NY2d 939; People v. Rodriguez, 227 AD2d 206, lv denied 88 NY2d 993). Furthermore, the record reflects that defendant was fully aware of a possible weakness in the People's proof but chose to accept a favorable plea offer in order to avoid the risk of conviction after trial. We have considered and rejected defendant's remaining arguments.