Spy suspect reaches deal with US Government

FBI spy suspect Robert Hanssen has struck a deal with the US Government to avoid the death penalty by pleading guilty.

Hanssen, 57, is charged with 21 counts of espionage on charges that he was a spy for the Soviet Union in exchange for at least $1.4m in cash, diamonds and deposits in foreign bank accounts.

Two Government officials confirmed that the deal spares Hanssen from the death penalty. He will be required to sit for interviews with the FBI, CIA and other intelligence officials so they can determine the extent of his activities.

One of the officials said the deal would allow Hanssen's wife, Bonnie, and six children to receive benefits under the Government pension he earned while working for the FBI.

Defence lawyer Preston Burton said: "This is an appropriate resolution which we believe is benefical to the Government and to Mr Hansen and his family."