The High Court in Zimbabwe has postponed until January the sentencing of the former president, Canaan Banana, on charges of sodomy and homosexual assault.

Mr Banana returned from South Africa last week after earlier jumping bail ahead of his conviction.

The judge said he needed more time to consider submissions from the state and the defence.

Lawyers for Mr Banana pleaded for a fine and no jail sentence.

They spoke of his poor health and the fact that he'd suffered enough with adverse press coverage.

Mr Banana faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, but there is speculation that he may receive a presidential pardon.

Shortly before his conviction, Mr Banana, fled to South Africa and met President Mandela.

It's widely believed Mr Mandela may have arranged a deal which persuaded Mr Banana to return to Zimbabwe.