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Christele Bourre (L) and Florence Khelifi were locked away for exposing another high-level sadistic pedophile network
Two former prostitutes have been convicted for making up claims that French officials had taken part in sex orgies organised by a serial killer.

Christele Bourre and Florence Khelifi, known as Patricia and Fanny, were given three-year jail terms, but will appeal.

The women had claimed that politicians, judges and police had taken part in sex sessions at a chateau near Toulouse.

They said the parties were organised by Patrice Alegre, who was jailed for life in 2002 for six rapes and five murders.

Their claims led to a former mayor of Toulouse being investigated - but the case was dropped after prosecutors found no evidence.

Ms Bourre also withdrew her allegations against politician Dominique Baudis when forced to appear before a judge in 2003.

Mr Baudis, a leading anti-pornography campaigner who had fiercely denied the claims, had said he was the victim of a conspiracy by the porn industry.

Alegre backed up the prostitutes' allegations, and accused a number of officials, including Mr Baudis, of ordering some of his killings to protect themselves from blackmail.