LISBON (AFP) - A Portuguese policeman was handed a 22-month suspended jail sentence for wearing his service weapon while performing stripteases.

The 32-year-old officer admitted to the court in Novo de Sao Joao that he wore his uniform to make his performances "more realistic", but claimed the firearm was a replica of his service pistol, the Lusa news agency reported.

The policeman, who gave four striptease shows in several bars and restaurants on March 8, 2014, for International Women's Day, said he had turned to stripping because of his financial problems.

He was suspended immediately after the press published Facebook pictures from his performances showing him wearing nothing but skin-tight briefs and his beret.