International judges have found former Liberian leader Charles Taylor guilty of aiding and abetting war crimes during the Sierra Leone civil war at his trial in The Hague.

Mr Taylor has been on trial at the Special Court for Sierra Leone for almost five years.

He was accused of backing rebels who killed tens of thousands during Sierra Leone's 11-year civil war.

The Hague Judges have scheduled a sentencing hearing on May 16 with sentence to be delivered on May 30.

Presiding Judge Richard Lussick said prosecutors have proved beyond reasonable doubt that Taylor is "criminally responsible" for aiding and abetting crimes by rebels in Sierra Leone's brutal civil war.

Taylor had pleaded not guilty to 11 counts, including murder, rape, terror and conscripting child soldiers.

Taylor stood and showed no emotion as Lussick delivered 11 guilty verdicts. He faces a maximum life sentence, to be served in Britain.

Meanwhile, Tempers were said to be high in Sierra Leone as the Verdict was being read.

According to the BBC, there was continues chanting and verbal exchanges.

A rainbow is said to have appeared as the Verdict was read.

GBC/Euronews