Vatican: Papal butler found guilty, 18 months in prison

(Vatican Radio) At a press conference in the Vatican this morning, it was announced that the Pope's butler, Paolo Gabriele, has been found guilty of theft and abuse of power, aggravated by the abuse of the trust placed in him.

He has been sentenced to 18 months in prison. The three-year sentence requested by the Prosecution was reduced because Gabriele has no previous criminal record and admitted to wrong doing. His years of service were also taken into consideration. The accused listened impassively to the sentence and remains under house arrest until further notification. The Director of the Vatican Press office, Fr Federico Lombardi, is expected to make an official statement later this morning.