Mukhtar Ablyazov, the former head of Kazakh bank BTA accused of embezzling $5bn, was sentenced to 22 months in jail on Thursday morning for contempt of court, at a ruling from which he was unexpectedly absent.

Ablyazov notified his lawyers shortly before yesterday morning's hearing that he would not attend, attorney Duncan Matthews told the court, prompting his counsel to request additional time to encourage Ablyazov to attend the ruling. Those motions were rejected.