Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has been convicted of corruption charges and sentenced to nine and a half years in prison, The Guardian reported.

A judge found him guilty of accepting bribes from engineering firm OAS in the form of a beachfront apartment in return for his help in winning contracts with the state oil company.

Da Silva's lawyers intend to submit an appeal on the judgment. Before its consideration the former president will be at large.