Former Norwegian government minister, Svein Ludvigsen, has been sentenced to five years in jail for sexually abusing three asylum seekers over several years.

The abuse of the men occurred between 2011 and 2017, the victims claim that Mr Ludvigsen offered them housing and jobs in exchange for sexual favors. 

Ludvigsen has denied the claims and said that he had consensual sex with one of the victims. The sentence was made public on Thursday.