An appeal court has sentenced former governor of Sicily Salvatore Cuffaro to seven years in prison as an accessory to mafia crimes.

A lower court had handed down a five-year sentence to the prominent politician, who is currently a senator in Italy.

The Public Prosecution Office took him to court for passing on information about investigations to people involved in organised crime. The appeal court also found him guilty of helping the Sicilian mafia.

Cuffaro denies having any contact with the mafia and plans a new appeal.

Photo: Poster urging Cuffaro to stand down - Wikipedia