US Army Private Lynndie England, who said she was only trying to please her soldier boyfriend when she took part in detainee abuse at Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison, has been jailed for three years.
England's sentencing late yesterday wrapped up the last of nine courts-martial of low-level soldiers charged in the abuse scandal, which severely damaged America's image in the Muslim world and tarnished the US military at home and abroad.
US Army Private Lynndie England is escorted from the courthouse in Fort Hood, Texas to begin her three-year prison sentence
The jury of five Army officers needed about 90 minutes to determine their sentence for England, a 22-year-old from rural West Virginia who was the most recognisable of the reservists charged after graphic abuse photos became public.
The charges carried up to nine years, but prosecutor Captain Chris Graveline asked the jury to imprison her for four to six years. The defence asked for no time behind bars.
England, who was convicted on Monday on six of seven counts involving prisoner mistreatment, sat with her eyes forward as the verdict was read, occasionally looking down.
She apologised earlier yesterday for posing for the photos, saying she did so at the behest of Private Charles Graner, the boyfriend who she said took advantage of her love and trust while they were deployed in Iraq.
"I was used by Private Graner," England said. "I didn't realize it at the time."
She appeared in several of the best-known photos taken by US guards at Abu Ghraib in late 2003. In one image she held a naked prisoner on a leash, while in others she posed with a pyramid of naked detainees and pointed at the genitals of a prisoner while a cigarette hung from the corner of her mouth.
England, speaking in response to questions from a defence lawyer, said she was embarrassed by the photos. She apologised to the detainees and their families, as well as to American soldiers who may have suffered in Iraq for her misguided actions.
"I heard attacks were made on coalition forces because of the photos," she said. "I apologise to coalition forces and their families that lost their life or were injured because of the photos."
England's defence contended she is a compliant person who took part in the detainee maltreatment to please Graner, who prosecutors said was the ringleader of the abuse by a group of US troops.
In a calm voice, England recounted how her relationship with Graner, 14 years her senior, developed as they prepared for deployment to Iraq with the 372nd Military Police Company in 2003.
"He was very charming, funny and at the time it looked to me like he was interested in the same things I was. ... He made me feel good about myself," she said. "I trusted him and I loved him. ... Now I know it was just an act to lure me in."
Graner and another former guard were also convicted at trial, while six other soldiers struck plea bargains. Graner was sentenced to ten years.
No officers have gone to trial, though several received administrative punishment.