Divorce judge jailed for accepting bribes

An American judge who accepted bribes in return for fixing divorce cases has been convicted of official misconduct.

Supreme Court Justice Gerald of Brooklyn, New York, was found guilty of taking gifts such as expensive cigars and large sums of money from a divorce lawyer, who in exchange received advice on winning cases and large child custody settlements for his clients.

The court heard that Paul Siminovsky enjoyed a close relationship with the judge, as video evidence showed him treating 74-year-old Garson to expensive meals and $1,000 in cash, the Associated Press reports.

Prosecutor Michael Vecchione said the videos "were the most convincing evidence in my mind" and he described Garson as "no better than the health inspector who turns the other way for 20 bucks when the rats have infested the restaurant".

The relationship came to light in 2002, when the wife of a client of Siminovsky's reported that her husband was going to bribe Judge Garson, who was presiding over the case.

Garson, who did not react when the verdict was read, could be imprisoned for up to seven years when he is sentenced on June 5th 2007.