1 Sep 2004

French Polynesian Minister convicted for illegal profit-taking

1:59 pm on 1 September 2004

It's reported a minister in French Polynesia's government has been convicted for illegal profit-taking.

The Tahitipresse news agency reports Emile Vernaudon has been given a twelve month suspended prison sentence by a tribunal in Papeete today.

The judge also ordered Vernaudon - who's the minister for outer island development - to pay about 30-thousand US dollars.

Vernaudon was convicted for having used public service staff and resources for improvements to a house belonging to friends and family.

Vernaudon has not lodged an appeal.