Nicolas Sarkozy to have permanent police protection in prison

French interior minister says former president will have two officers in nearby cells at all times after beginning five-year sentence for illegal campaign funding

The former French president Nicolas Sarkozy will have two police officers stationed in nearby cells while he is in prison to ensure he comes to no harm, France's interior minister has said.

Sarkozy arrived at La Sante prison in Paris on Tuesday to begin a five-year sentence after being convicted of conspiring to raise campaign funds from Libya - a stunning downfall for a man who led the country between 2007 and 2012.