2 Sep 2004

French Polynesian minister found guilty of illegal use of public service staff and resources

10:35 am on 2 September 2004

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

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

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

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

Vernaudon has not lodged an appeal.