Knysna businessman Guy Hill, 47, who allegedly defrauded his parents out of millions and skipped the country, was sentenced to five months in prison in the US on Wednesday.

Hill was convicted of theft for stealing parts from yachts in Florida and selling them on eBay.

Hill, who has already served three months in jail, is said to be "disappointed" by the sentence.

In an e-mail to South African relatives, Hill's American "lady friend", Louise MacFarlane, said he was "coming to terms" with his sentence. He was apparently under the impression that he would benefit from time already served.

MacFarlane, who lived with Hill on his boat before his arrest, regularly phones and visits him in jail. She has paid $8000 (R59000) for his attorney and $15000 (R110000) to pay the restitution to the person from whom he stole boat parts.

Meanwhile his South African wife, Debbie, 47, - who he left behind when he sailed to the US to sell his yacht - told The Times that she is going to sue for divorce papers while he is behind bars.

MacFarlane said Hill will only be released from jail next February , at which time he will have to return home to "face the music".

Hill faces 49 charges which include fraud, forgery and theft.

His parents, Bob and Betty Hill, both 71, have laid charges of blackmail and fraud against him after he allegedly siphoned millions of rands from his mother's company, Hill-Pro Construction.