A judge has sentenced Bob Menendez, former New Jersey senator in the United States, to 11 years in prison.

Prosecutors sought at least a 15-year sentence, citing in court documents the “rare gravity” of the ex-senator’s crimes.

Last year, Menendez, 71, was found guilty on 16 counts of accepting gifts, including gold bars, cash, and a Mercedes-Benz, in exchange for helping the Egyptian and Qatari governments.

Menendez pleaded with Sidney Stein, US district judge for mercy, twice breaking down in tears.

“I have lost everything,” he said.

But the former senator’s pleas fell on deaf ears.

His lawyers called for a shorter sentence paired with community service.

“Somewhere along the way, you became, I’m sorry to say, a corrupt politician,” Stein said before handing down the 11-year sentence on Wednesday.

The judge also ordered a forfeiture for all of Menendez’s ill-gotten gains, which totalled $992,188.10, according to the US attorney’s office.

Menendez has vowed to appeal the conviction.

The former senator has also been seeking a pardon from President Donald Trump after failing to get one from former President Joe Biden.

Borrowing Trump’s infamous assertion during his trials before his presidential win, Menendez claimed he was the victim of a “political witch hunt”.