12-year prison sentence ‘fair’

PYRAMID crook mastermind Bernard Madoff’s lawyer yesterday suggested a 12-year sentence would be a “fair” punishment for his multi-billion dollar con.

Ira Sorkin said such a sentence will not disproportionately punish his client compared with other white collar criminals.

Federal Judge Denny Chin is scheduled to sentence Madoff in New York next Monday.

Madoff, 71, pleaded guilty on March 12 to operating a massive pyramid scheme that fleeced wealthy organisations and individuals of millions.

He could face up to 150 years in prison.

Dozens of Madoff’s victims have already urged the judge to make sure Madoff spends the rest of his life in prison.