Disgraced politician John Edwards is said to be deeply depressed - to the point of being suicidal - over the prospect of a criminal trial that could end with him being jailed if found guilty.

The 57-year-old former Presidential candidate reportedly told a close friend: 'I won't go to jail. I'd kill myself first!'

He has lost 20lb in the last year and is a 'broken spirit,' reports the National Enquirer.

 According to the Enquirer, a close source said: 'I think John is suicidal. He knows that if he's indicted, prosecutors will try to get him to serve jail time and make an example of him.

'He's absoluetly despondent over the fear of prison.

'Over the last year, he's lost about 20lb and friends are concerned that he's escaping reality with booze.