Former senator Bob Menendez banned from holding public office in New Jersey

State court made ruling against ex-lawmaker now serving 11-year sentence for bribery and acting as an agent of Egypt

Former US senator Bob Menendez has been permanently disqualified from seeking or holding public office in his home state of New Jersey after being convicted of federal corruption charges, according to officials.

An order on Friday from New Jersey superior court judge Robert Lougy banned Menendez from any position of honor, trust, or profit in state or local government", the state's attorney general, Matt Platkin, said in a statement. Menendez would face a fourth-degree charge of contempt of court if he applies for public office or employment or takes any steps to campaign, run for or be appointed" to such a post, Platkin's statement also said.