The High Court in Sierra Leone has sentenced the former president Joseph Momoh to five years in prison.

Mr Momoh was found guilty of conspiracy in connection with the junta that overthrew the elected government in May last year.

Mr Momoh, who ruled the country from 1985 to 1992, was cleared of treason charges, and so escaped a death sentence.

At the same time, fifteen civilians convicted of treason for collusion with the military junta have been sentenced to death.

The fifteen were convicted yesterday.

The trial started three months ago in the capital, Freetown.

Twenty-four soldiers convicted of treason for their involvement in the overthrow of President Tejan Kabbah were executed earlier this month, despite widespread condemnation.

Although President Kabbah has been returned to power, fighting continues in some areas between government troops and supporters of the ousted junta.