A French court has sentenced former President Nicolas Sarkozy to a year in prison after finding him guilty of illegal campaign finance during the 2012 presidential election campaign.
Prosecutors said Sarkozy spent nearly double the amount allowed by French law in the run-up to an election that was later won by his challenger, Francois Hollande.
Sarkozy, who led France from 2007-2012, has denied any wrongdoing. His lawyer said Sarkozy would appeal the court ruling.
The court said he could serve his sentence at home while wearing an electronic monitoring bracelet.
Sarkozy was found guilty of corruption in a separate trial in March, and sentenced to three years in prison, two of which were suspended.
He has appealed this decision. [uh/lt]
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