The court ordered that Sarkozy should be placed in custody at a later date, with prosecutors given one month to inform the former head of state when he should go to prison.

This makes him the first president in the history of modern France to be jailed.

The 70 year old was also fined 100,000 euros ($117,000) and banned from holding public office.

Sarkozy has been convicted already in two separate trials but always avoided jail, in one case serving his sentence with an electronic tag, which has now been removed.

As well as appealing, Sarkozy could also request parole on the grounds of his age.

The presiding judge, Nathalie Gavarino, said the offences were of “exceptional gravity” and “likely to undermine the confidence of citizens.”

Another defendant in the trial, Alexandre Djouhri, who is accused of being the intermediary in the scheme was sentenced to six years and ordered to be placed immediately under arrest.

Sarkozy’s right-hand-man Claude Gueant, and ex-minister Brice Hortefeux were ordered to serve six and two years respectively. Hortefeux, 67, will be able to serve his term with an electronic tag, while Gueant, 80, will not go to prison due to his health status.

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The court earlier convicted Sarkozy on charges of criminal conspiracy but acquitted him of corruption and accepting illegal campaign financing.

It also said there was no proof that money from the Libyan Kadhafi was ultimately used in his campaign.

Source: Channels