Ex-congressman George Santos sentenced to seven years in prison

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Former Republican congressman George Santos has been sentenced to more than seven years in prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

The 36-year-old pleaded guilty to the federal charges in New York court last August.

Prosecutors had asked for 87 months in prison - the sentence Santos ultimately received - while Santos's attorneys had requested he serve two years, the minimum sentence for aggravated identity theft.

The sentencing marks the final step in the downfall of the novice New York politician, who was expelled from Congress after the fraud case alleged that he lied about his background and misused campaign funds to finance his lifestyle.

Santos reportedly apologised for his actions while crying in court on Friday, saying: "I cannot rewrite the past, but I can control the road ahead.".

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In court last year, Santos admitted to theft and applying for unemployment benefits that he was not entitled to receive. He has also acknowledged making false statements and omissions on financial statements submitted to the House Ethics Committee and the FEC.

The former lawmaker has been ordered to pay at least $374,000 (£280,000) in restitution.

He has been attempting to raise money on Cameo, a platform where people can purchase personalized videos from celebrities.

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Santos, an ardent supporter of President Donald Trump, has said that he would not ask the president for a pardon.

"If the president thinks I'm worthy of any level of clemency that is bestowed upon him, he can go ahead and do it, but for me to seek a pardon is to deny accountability and responsibility," Santos told the New York Times.

Yet he appeared to contradict himself in an episode of his podcast, when his guest, blogger Perez Hilton asked him if he would request a pardon if he were sentenced to years in prison.

"You bet your sweet arse I would," he told the TV personality.

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