Travis King, 24, was being detained in South Korea over assault allegations but fled across the fortified zone in July last year - after joining a civilian tour of the border area
A US soldier who ran across the border into North Korea last year has been sentenced to 12 months in prison.
He was with a civilian tour group in Panmunjom, South Korea, when he fled across the fortified zone on July 18 last year. He was then detained in North Korea before returning to the US in September of that year. On Friday, King was handed a 12-month prison sentence by a military judge at Fort Bliss, Texas, but will now walk free after being sentenced to time served. King had already served 338 days in the US, and and additional 63 days in North Korea.
King, who has since been discharged from the military, was set to face disciplinary action in the US following his release from South Korean custody. But while being escorted by military police, he managed to slip away from Seoul's international airport and joined a civilian tour of the border area between North and South Korea.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
North Korean table tennis players may be punished for Olympic podium selfie with South Korean rivalsMixed doubles silver medallists Kim Kum-yong and Ri Jong-sik reportedly placed under ‘ideological scrutiny’
Read more »
Israeli air strikes leave at least 14 dead in GazaOvernight strikes come ahead of funeral for Turkish-American activist killed by Israeli soldier
Read more »
Former Irish soldier killed in combat in UkraineFormer member of Defence Forces was fighting for the Ukrainian military against Russian forces
Read more »
Tributes Paid To Former Army Ranger Wing Soldier Killed Fighting In UkraineRobert Deegan, 29, died protecting his colleagues from a Russian attack in eastern Ukraine last Thursday. Sources revealed Mr Deegan, who was from Newbridge in Co Kildare, died covering the retreat of other members of the special forces squad called the Stugna Unit.
Read more »
Family of ex Irish soldier killed in Ukraine break silence in heartfelt tributeMr Deegan’s parents Rachel and John issued the statement after news emerged over the weekend that their son, who was just 29, was killed fighting for Ukraine against the Russian invaders in the east of the country on Thursday.
Read more »
Search begins for 'Disappeared' body of British soldier killed by IRAFor years, a lurid rumour swirled that Captain Robert Nairac's body had been fed into a meat grinder by the IRA.
Read more »