Mumbai plotter jailed for 35 years

An American who played a key role in a 2008 terrorist attack on Mumbai, India, that killed more than 160 people, has been jailed for 35 years by a judge in Chicago.

David Coleman Headley conducted meticulous scouting missions before 10 gunmen carried out the devastating assault often called India’s 9/11.

The 52-year-old was sentenced today on 12 counts. That included conspiracy to aid the Pakistani group Lashkar-e-Taiba which mounted the attacks on the landmark Taj Mahal Hotel and other targets.

The maximum sentence was life in prison.

Headley pleaded guilty and co-operated to avoid the death penalty and extradition to India.

Headley was born Daood Gilani to a Pakistani father and American mother. He changed his name in 2006 to travel more easily to and from India.