Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy claims his court case is politically motivated. 

He's been sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of criminal conspiracy, relating to illicit funds from the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. 

He was acquitted of all other charges. 

Europe correspondent Vincent McAviney told Francesca Rudkin it's unclear whether he will spend the full five years in prison. 

He says the ruling means Sarkozy will spend time in jail even if he launches an appeal, which he intends to do. 

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