Russian punk band Pussy Riot have been sentenced to two years in jail each after being found guilty of hooliganisim earlier in the day.

The judge spent several hours summing up and took into account the "previous good character" of the defendants and their age when passing sentence.

She went on to claim that there were three specific elements involved in her finding them guilty: One, the choice of venue and timing of protest (during a service). Their continued performance and resistance to be removed from the cathedral by security and parishoners. And finally their conduct and that of their accomplices after the event.

The three women Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, 23; Maria Alekhina, 24; and Yekaterina Samutsevich, 29, laughed when they heard the verdict and shouts of "shame!" went up around the court.