American Olympian Marion Jones has been sentenced to six months in prison for lying about steroid use and involvement in a drugs fraud case.
The former sprinter pleaded guilty last October and was sentenced on Friday.
Mother-of-two Jones, 32, had asked US District Judge Kenneth Karas to be "as merciful as a human being can be".
But the judge imposed the maximum under her plea deal "because of the need for general deterrence and the need to promote respect for the law".
Judge Karas said he believed a message needed to be sent to athletes who have abused drugs and as a result, have overlooked the values of "hard work, dedication, teamwork and sportsmanship".
"Athletes in society have an elevated status, they entertain, they inspire, and perhaps, most important, they serve as role models."
He added: "Nobody is above the legal obligation to tell the truth."
Afterwards Jones said outside court: "I respect the judge's order, and I truly hope that people will learn from my mistakes."
Lawyers for the defence had asked the judge to give the former sprinter probation or house arrest.
Having already apologised, retired and given up her five Olympic medals, Jones has been punished enough, they argued.
Jones sentencing included two years' probation and supervised release, during which she will be required to perform 800 hours of community service.
She has been ordered to surrender on 11 March to begin her jail term.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Six-month jail sentence for Jones
Posted by Mithlesh at 6:25 AM
Labels: World News
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