Mr Dumas has insisted that he did not know Ms Deviers-Joncour's role as an Elf lobbyist during their affair.

BBC: French ex-minister spared jail term

Elf in turn employed Christine Deviers-Joncour as a consultant, who was the lover of the then-foreign minister Roland Dumas.

BBC: French ex-minister faces charges

Mr Dumas' trial heard that the mistress, Christine Deviers-Joncour, showered him with luxury gifts, paid for by Elf to win his influence.

BBC: French ex-minister spared jail term