Roman catholic priest in Czech Republic found guilty of rape

PRAGUE — A court official in the Czech Republic says a Roman Catholic priest has been convicted of rape and sexual abuse and sentenced to five years in prison.

Jan Dolezal, spokesman for the county court in Havlickuv Brod, located some 120 kilometers (75 miles) southeast of Prague, said Erik Tvrdon was found guilty of raping four women and sexually abusing a minor. Police previously said they believed he forced a 13-year old girl to send him naked images of herself.

Tvrdon pleaded not guilty.

Thursday's verdict is not final. Dolezal says the state prosecutor has appealed, demanding a stiffer prison term.

The priest could have been given up to 10 years in prison.