The artist who created the "HOPE" poster that came to symbolise Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign has been sentenced to two years probation by a New York judge.

Shepard Fairey will also do 300 hours of community service.

The government had asked that Fairey should get some prison time.

He was convicted of criminal contempt for destroying documents and fabricating others in a civil lawsuit he brought against The Associated Press.

Prosecutors say Fairey had "both an ideological and financial motive" to alter evidence in his favour after basing his poster on one of the AP's photographs.

Defence lawyers said a prison term was not warranted. They said Fairey was contrite and settled his civil case with the AP on unfavourable terms that included sanctions.

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