A dashing Italian conman who went out with Hollywood actress Anne Hathaway was sentenced by a court in New York on Thursday to four and a half years in prison for fraud.

Raffaello Follieri, who dated the star of "The Devil Wears Prada" before his arrest in June, was sentenced by Manhattan Federal Court. The 30-year-old will be deported to Italy after serving the term.

"A substantial sentence is warranted because the defendant engaged in a substantial fraud involving a significant amount of money over a significant amount of time," Judge John Koeltl said.

The dark-haired Follieri milked more than $2.0-million from investors who believed he could buy Roman Catholic Church real estate at a discount because of what he claimed were special Vatican links.

He even claimed to have met with Pope John Paul II and to be serving as chief Vatican financial officer.

He raked in more funds by filing huge phony expense reports with his victims.

Follieri pleaded guilty in September to conspiracy, wire fraud and money laundering.

According to court papers, Follieri hid his proceeds in Monaco-based shell companies.

A substantial amount of money went to finance his jet-set life, including splurges on flowers, fine dining, vacations with Hathaway, an apartment in Manhattan and yacht rentals, the court said.

The court ordered Follieri to forfeit $2.4-million, 15 watches, and other precious metals and jewellery.