French appeal court upholds conviction of François Fillon for embezzlement

Former French prime minister and wife Penelope found guilty, but sentences are reduced

A French appeal court has upheld the conviction of the former French prime minister Francois Fillon and his Welsh wife, Penelope, for embezzling public funds in a fake job scandal.

However, the judgment, announced on Monday, reduced the sentences imposed on the couple during their trial almost two years ago; Fillon was given a four-year sentence, three of which were suspended, a fine of 375,000 (320,000) and a 10-year ban from holding a public position. His wife was given a two-year suspended sentence and the same fine. The couple had been allowed to remain free pending the outcome of the appeal.