Joseph Estrada, the former president of the Philippines, was today sentenced to life in prison and barred from holding public office again after being found guilty of corruption in a marathon six-year trial.

Estrada, 70, a former film star who was ousted from power in a military revolt in 2001, was convicted of receiving millions of pounds from illegal gambling and taking commissions in the sale of shares to government pension funds.

As well as his prison sentence, the court ordered him to forfeit a mansion and more than 731 million pesos (£7.6 million) that was deposited into two bank accounts.

Fears of street protests and riots in Manila after the live, televised verdict were not realised, as supporters of the once popular president staged only a handful of low-key demonstrations.

One of the most colourful characters in the rambunctious world of Philippine politics, Estrada rose to movie stardom playing tough guys with a soft spot for the needy and weak. He often called his presidency the “last and best performance of my life”.

He won the Philippines’ biggest-ever election victory in 1998, and vowed during his inaugural address that his loved ones wouldn’t benefit from his presidency by so much as one cent. He even inaugurated the Sandiganbayan, the anti-corruption court that convicted him.

But his term in office was marked by reports of policy decisions taken after late-night drinking bouts, millions of pesos won or lost in gambling sessions, and mistresses and their lavish lifestyles.

The reports horrified the middle class and the powerful Catholic Church. Two years after his election victory he was impeached for corruption, and he was deposed in an army-choreographed uprising the following year after the impeachment trial collapsed in the Senate.

His trial ran from October 2001 to June 15, with prosecutors claiming that he hid assets and bought expensive mansions and holiday homes for his mistresses.

Estrada listened quietly to the judgment today but afterwards condemned it as a stitch up. “I thought the role of justice would prevail here but really it’s a kangaroo court,” said Estrada, still wearing his trademark wristband with the presidential seal.

“This is a political decision. While the other countries are moving forward and developing, we’re not. Look at our justice system.”

Rene Saguisag, Estrada’s lawyer, condemned the verdict as victors’ justice, and ruling class justice. "We never had a chance," he said. Estrada has accused Arroyo of masterminding his removal in a conspiracy with leaders of the Catholic Church and the army.

His 40-year career as a matinee idol playing Robin Hood-style action heroes, and his down-to-earth manner, continue to endear him to poor voters.

“Erap (Estrada’s nickname) is a symbol of the dreams and aspirations of the Filipino masses. We will continue to struggle for democracy and justice,” said one supporter, Ver Tustauuio.

He was not immediately jailed. The court allowed him to return to his villa, east of Manila, to remain under house arrest until further orders.

With credit for time served in detention, it was unclear when he might be eligible for parole, or whether he will spend time in prison, be allowed to continue living under house arrest in his own villa or even be granted a pardon.

He is to appeal against the verdict, and the case will also come up for automatic Supreme Court review.

Outside the courthouse, around 300 supporters waved banners and made anti-government speeches but remained peaceful. The crowd was far smaller than the thousands predicted, and riot police sent to guard the court were relaxed, eating snacks, chatting and lounging in the sun with their shields by their side.

There was a heavy police presence too outside the Malacanang presidential palace of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Her spokesman Ignacio Bunye appealed for calm.

“We hope and pray that the rule of law will prevail,” Bunye said. “Meantime, we have a country to run, an economy to grow and a peace to win. We hope that this sad episode in our history will not permanently distract us from this goal.”

Estrada was also charged with perjury, related to an alleged misrepresentation of earned income, but was found not guilty.

His son, Jinggoy, a senator, was also found not guilty of corruption.

The Philippine markets reacted positively to the verdict. The stock exchange closed 1.21 per cent up, and the peso strengthened to 46.70 against the dollar from its close of 47.12 on Tuesday. It had fallen more than 1 per cent amid uncertainty over the judgment earlier in the week.

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