FOR writing three ill-conceived sentences in a novel that sold fewer than 10 copies, Melbourne man Harry Nicolaides was yesterday sentenced to three years in a Thai prison.

Barefoot, wearing leg shackles and looking drawn and weary, Nicolaides stood to hear his sentence.

Harry Nicolaides waits in a Thai cell for his trial on charges of maligning Thailand's king. He was later found guilty and sentenced to three years in prison. Credit:AP

The would-be writer was arrested at Bangkok Airport on August 31 last year on charges of lese majeste — the crime of maligning the revered Thai monarchy.

A book he had written in 2006, Verisimilitude, contained a brief reference to an unnamed crown prince. The passage was deemed insulting and a complaint was made to the police.