October 6, 2012. (ROMEREPORTS.com) (ONLY VIDEO) On Saturday afternoon, judge Giuseppe Dalla Torre announced that the Pope's former butler has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for stealing confidential Papal documents. In addition, he will be responsible for the financial cost of the judicial case.   

The original sentence of three years was reduced in half, because Gabriele doesn't have a prior record. The butler's lawyer, now has three day window to appeal sentence.

After the verdict was read, Gabriele returned to his home, inside Vatican territory, where he remains under house arrest. 

The Pope could also grant his pardon at any time, which would automatically cancel the sentence. Benedict XVI is widely expected to pardon his former butler. 

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