Homeland Security

DATE=01/30/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=SHOE BOMBER/SENTENCE (S-O)

NUMBER=2-

BYLINE=JAMES DONAHOWER

DATELINE=NEW YORK

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: A federal court judge in Boston today (Thursday) sentenced Richard Reid, the so-called shoe bomber, to life in prison for trying to blow up an American Airlines flight in December of 2001. James Donahower reports.

TEXT: The sentence comes three months after Reid pleaded guilty to eight charges, including attempted murder, attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction, and using a destructive device during a crime of violence. At the time that he pleaded guilty, he told Judge William Young, I pledge to Osama bin Laden that I am an enemy of your country.

Reid, a 29-year old British citizen, attempted to ignite explosives hidden in his shoe during a flight from Miami to Paris on December 22, 2001. He was over-powered by crew-members and passengers. The flight, which was carrying 197 people, landed in Boston.

Defense lawyers argued that Reid is a troubled man, and was acting in defense of his religion when he committed the offense. Reid converted to Islam while in a British jail.

Prosecutors called Reid "a committed terrorist who will remain so until his dying days". (Signed)

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