Smith (whose full name is Nicholas Charles Smith) and his father, Christopher John Smith, who was the security printer’s chairman, were found guilty in December of making corrupt payments to secure print contracts in Kenya and Mauritania.
Christopher John Smith was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment suspended for two years. He also has to carry out 250 hours of unpaid work and is subject to a three month curfew.
Both men are also disqualified from being a company director for six years.
The company was also found guilty. It will be sentenced at a later date.
A further hearing regarding confiscation proceedings against Smith & Ouzman, Nick Smith and Christopher John Smith has been scheduled for October.
The case is a landmark in that it is the first time the SFO has secured convictions against a corporate entity for foreign bribery, following a contested trial.
When passing sentence, His Honour Judge Higgins, said: “Your behavior was cynical, deplorable and deeply antisocial, suggesting moral turpitude.”
Eastbourne-based Smith & Ouzman issued a statement following the sentencing. The statement in full, said: “The company fully accepts accountability for the actions of its directors and we apologise unreservedly. Christopher Smith and Nicholas Smith resigned as directors in December and are no longer part of the business. New directors will be appointed in due course.
“The company co-operated fully with the SFO throughout its lengthy investigation. The extent of our co-operation was acknowledged in court on a number of occasions and has not been disputed.
“During this period we have learned many lessons and as a result have developed industry leading, anti-bribery and corruption management processes. With the help of our dedicated and loyal staff we now wish to continue the task of delivering a quality product and outstanding service to our customers.”
Christopher John Smith is currently listed as the biggest single shareholder in the £24m turnover, 85 employee firm, with a 32.86% stake in the business.
The case was dubbed "chickengate" by some African media outlets due to the use of the word as a loose term that could mean "money, cash, payment, facilitation payments" or "subsistence payment" in correspondence between the Smiths and Smith & Ouzman's Kenyan agent.
