Former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell has been sentenced to two years in prison for taking bribes. McDonnell accepted lavish gifts from Star Scientific CEO Jonnie Williams, including a Rolex watch and $177,000 (148,000 euros) in "sweetheart" loans, in exchange for promoting a dietary supplement produced by the firm.

"I allowed my life to get way out of balance," said the 60-year-old McDonnell, who stepped down in January 2014, added that he was a "heartbroken and humbled man" and that he accepts responsibility for what he did. His defense team had lobbied the judge to sentence the ex-governor to three years community service in lieu of jail time, while prosecutors sought a 10 to 12 year prison term.

US District Judge James Spencer said that it broke his heart to hand out prison time in light of McDonnell's military service and the many character references he received, but that "a meaningful sentence must be imposed."

Once on the shortlist to be Mitt Romney's running mate in the 2012 presidential election, McDonnell was convicted of 11 counts of corruption in September. His estranged wife, Maureen McDonnell, was convicted on 8 counts.

During the trial, McDonnell presented his unraveling marriage as the cause for his bad judgment, saying he began working late to avoid his wife and that she had brought Williams into the couple's life, as she had a "crush" on him.

Williams was the prosecution's star witness, agreeing to testify against McDonnell in exchange for immunity. He told the court about the couple's shaky finances, and how they accepted a $15,000 gift as well as designer clothes and vacations for promoting his company's main product.

The former first lady of Virginia is scheduled to be sentenced on February 20.

es/bk (AP, Reuters)