US marine gets 40 years for Philippines rape

0 Comments | AFP, December, 2006

MANILA (AFP) — The Philippines has sentenced a US marine to 40 years in jail for the rape of a young woman in an attack a court here described as "chilling, naked sadism". Lance Corporal Daniel Smith showed no emotion as police led him away, while the victim burst into tears and her supporters cheered and shouted: "Jail the Americans!" Three other US marines were acquitted.

Suzette Nicolas, 22, was raped in the back of a rented van after a night out with the defendants at the former US naval base of Subic Bay in November last year. The case unleashed a wave of anti-American protests and demonstrations. "I felt sad that the three were acquitted but also happy that the other was convicted," Nicolas said on local television after the verdict was announced in a packed Manila...