Fine and discharge for US deserter Bowe Bergdahl

Last updated: November 4, 2017 at 16:36 pm

Bowe Bergdahl has avoided prison time for desertion and misbehaviour before the enemy following the abandonment of his post.

He received a dishonourable discharge and was handed a fine of US$1,000 every month for the next 10 months.

He will also see his rank reduced from from sergeant to private.

He originally faced up to life in prison, but prosecutors asked for just a sentence of 14 years behind bars.

Soon after he verdict was announced, US President Donald Trump tweeted that it was a "total disgrace".

Bergdahl, who was held prisoner and tortured by the Taliban for five years after he walked away from his Afghanistan outpost, pleaded guilty last month.

The former solider was released in May 2014 in a controversial exchange for five Guantanamo Bay detainees.