Finance Minister Trevor Manuel asked the Cape High Court on Monday to impose a suspended prison sentence on arms deal critic Terry Crawford-Browne, the SABC reported.

Manuel's lawyers contended Crawford-Browne was in contempt of court for contravening an order prohibiting him from making defamatory allegations about Manuel.

Brian Pinkers, for Manuel, told the court Crawford-Browne had defied a court order gagging him from making arms deal corruption claims against the finance minister.

Pinkers said Crawford-Browne had repeatedly ignored the order as he continued to make allegations against Manuel in the media.

Crawford-Browne, representing himself, denied being in contempt of court.

He said Manuel's application to have him jailed for contempt of court was a waste of the court's time and resources.

Crawford-Browne asked the court to order the State to reimburse him R5-million he spent exposing the arms deal scandal, saying this was done in the public’s interest.

Judge Burton Fourie reserved judgment until Friday.

Sapa