The soldier labelled the ringleader in the Abu Ghraib prison scandal started a 10-year prison sentence today, following his conviction by a military jury.

A US Army specialist pleaded guilty today to abusing inmates at Abu Ghraib prison – the first military intelligence soldier to stand trial in the scandal that has so far focused prison guard reservists.

EARLIER this year, a petite, mop-topped soldier became a central figure in the Abu Ghraib prison scandal that shocked the world when she turned up in numerous photographs, smiling and giving the thumbs-up in the presence of naked, hooded Iraqi detainees.

A lawyer for one of three soldiers accused in the Abu Ghraib prison scandal asked a military judge today to order a new hearing because the turmoil of Iraq prevented him from being able to question witnesses.

The military policeman who blew the whistle on fellow soldiers who were photographed abusing Iraqi detainees has an independent streak and "knew right from wrong", say people who know him.