US soldier jailed for 8 years

A military judge jailed a US army sergeant, described in court as a typical all-American boy, for eight years yesterday for sexually and physically abusing Iraqi prisoners.

The sentence for Staff Sergeant Ivan "Chip" Frederick, 38, is by far the toughest of those handed down to three soldiers now convicted over abuses at Baghdad's Abu Ghraib prison.

Photos of naked prisoners being taunted and humiliated at the jail outraged the world when they were published in April.

Frederick, who sat impassively through the two-day court martial at a US base in Baghdad, appeared shaken and looked at the floor after judge Colonel James Pohl announced his verdict, which included a dishonourable discharge and a demotion.

Defence counsel Gary Myers said the sentence was excessive and he would appeal.

Frederick, the most senior soldier indicted in the scandal, pleaded guilty to five charges that included assault, committing an indecent act and dereliction of duty.