Judges found him guilty of trying to bribe a judge and of influence peddling.

The former president, who led France from 2000 and 7 to 2000 and 12, had denied any wrongdoing.

He said he was the victim of a witch hunt by financial prosecutors who used excessive means to snoop on his affairs.

Prosecutors said Sarkozy had offered to secure a plum job in Monaco for a judge in return for confidential information about an inquiry into allegations that he had accepted illegal payments from Loreal heiress Liliane Bettencourt for his 2000 and seven presidential campaign.

They said this came to light while they were wiretapping conversations between Sarkozy and his lawyer in relation to another investigation.

Sarkozy has 10 days to appeal the ruling.