Taliban fighter jailed for 20 years

JOHN WALKER LINDH was last night sentenced to a 20-year prison term at his sentencing hearing, a deal struck in return for his information on former Taliban colleagues, Islamic extremists and future possible al-Qaida attacks.

The government told US District Judge TS Ellis III last week that Lindh has fulfilled his agreement to co-operate, allowing prosecutors to drop more serious charges that could have brought a life sentence to the Californian who fought alongside the Taliban.

Lindh, 21, pleaded guilty last July to supplying services to the Taliban and carrying an explosive during commission of a felony. Each count carries a 10-year sentence.