Beltran said he would '"fight hard" to prove his innocence

The 42-year-old, who has lived in Sweden since 1986, was found guily of raping a nanny employed by another singer during a concert tour in 1999.

The district court in Ystad said it was proven "beyond reasonable doubt" that he was guilty, and ordered Beltran to pay compensation to the victim.

Beltran claimed he was not guilty and was the victim of a smear campaign.

He said after the verdict that he was disappointed by the outcome and was planning an appeal.

The trial has been widely reported in both the Chilean and Swedish media, and has seen a number of high-profile witnesses including Sweden's 1991 Eurovision Song Contest winner Carola Haggvkist take the witness stand.

Beltran has recorded four solo albums and has performed in opera houses around the world, including London's Royal Opera House.