Berlin - A Sudanese man admitted in a German courtroom Wednesday to espionage, saying he conducted surveillance of Sudanese exiles and human-rights activists for 100 euros (155 dollars) monthly.

The accused, 40, has been in custody since his arrest six months ago. Berlin judges said as the trial began that if he confessed to the charges, he was likely to receive a suspended 18-month prison term. The verdict is not due until Wednesday next week.

Federal prosecutors said he was in the pay of an official at the Sudanese embassy in Berlin from August 2006 till his arrest in October 2007. He told the court he had been desperate for money to feed his family because he could only get casual jobs in Berlin. (dpa)