A former worker for the anti-immigration PVV party has been jailed for 18 months, four suspended, for stealing some €180,000 from the party coffers.

Michael Heemels has also been ordered to refund the money plus €3,000 in accountancy costs, local broadcaster 1Limburg said.

Heemels stole the money between 2012 and 2016 when he was a member of the Limburg provincial council and local party treasurer. He resigned as councillor and press spokesman for party leader Geert Wilders when the theft became public.

Heemels claims he stole far less than €180,000 and used the money to pay for his drink and drugs addictions.