A French bank robber known as the "jaibreak king" was sentenced to 17 years in jail for an escape in which associates blew up a prison gate and sprayed guards with AK47 fire.

Antonio Ferrara got his nickname after his 2003 escape from the maximum security Fresnes prison near Paris, where he was serving time for bank robberies, murder and a previous prison escape in 1998.

Eighteen others, including Ferrara's then-lawyer Karim Achoui, were convicted of helping him escape. Mr Achoui was sentenced to seven years in prison and locked up immediately after the verdict, prompting protests from other lawyers. Defence lawyers said they would appeal the verdict.

Mr Ferrara's escape highlighted the power of violent criminal gangs in France and authorities launched a huge manhunt to catch him and save face. He was re-arrested in July 2003, four months after his flight from Fresnes.

Security was extra tight at Mr Ferrara's trial, with some 90 policemen on duty for the delivery of the verdict.

After it was read out, the convicts screamed abuse at the chief judge and their relatives started a brawl that was diffused by police.

Mr Achoui was convicted of helping Mr Ferrara plan his escape, while a former Fresnes prison guard was sentenced to 12 years in jail for his role in the plot.

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