Silvio Berlusconi: Court sentences former leader to jail

Italy's former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has been convicted and sentenced to jail over an illegal wiretap.

He was accused of arranging for a police wiretap concerning a political rival to be leaked and published in a newspaper run by his brother.

Mr Berlusconi is likely to appeal and will remain free in the meantime.

He was not present when the court president handed down the one year sentence, and also jailed Mr Berlusconi's brother Paolo for two years and three months, apparently as a deterrent.

Speaking outside court, Silvio Berlusconi's defence team accused the court of seeking a swift verdict for political impact.