Former French president was talking to court via video link about his request to serve rest of sentence at home * Europe live – latest updates The former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has said his time in prison has been “gruelling” and a “nightmare” as he appeared by video link at a court hearing over his request to be released and to serve his sentence at home. Sarkozy, dressed in a navy blue suit, appeared on camera from prison on Monday, seated at a table with his lawyers beside him. He told the court: “I want to pay tribute to all the prison staff, who are exceptionally humane, and who have made this nightmare bearable – because it is a nightmare.” Continue reading...

Smith, 35, was released in error from Wandsworth prison on same day he was jailed for fraud Billy Smith, who was mistakenly released from Wandsworth prison, has handed himself back in, sources said. Smith, 35, was sentenced to 45 months for multiple fraud offences on Monday and freed in error the same day. Continue reading...

Rachel Reeves delivered a pre-budget speech, which has only served to fuel suggestions that she is set to increase taxes on working people. What was the point of the early-morning address, and taking…