France’s former president Jacques Chirac was found guilty of embezzlement and abuse of power in an unprecedented case that for the first time saw a former French leader face charges in court.

The popular 79 year old, president between 1995 and 2007, was facing conflict of interest, abuse of power and embezzlement charges and could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $195,000.

Chirac will not face prison time however, after the judges handed him a two-year suspended sentence. Chirac was not in court today as he was excused from attending the trial after doctors said he was afflicted with “severe” neurological problems.

Chirac was accused on two counts of hiring members of his political party for nonexistent municipal jobs in Paris, where he was mayor from 1977 to 1995, effectively using the civic payroll to employ his own campaign staff.