Abu Ghraib Dog Handler Is Unrepentant

By DAVID DISHNEAU, Associated Press WriterWed Mar 22, 8:34 AM ET

An Army dog handler convicted of tormenting Iraqis at Abu Ghraib prison with his snarling animal was unrepentant about the abuse charges at his sentencing hearing, telling a court-martial jury that soldiers aren't supposed to be "soft and cuddly."

Sgt. Michael J. Smith, 24, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., was found guilty Tuesday of six of 13 counts. A judge later dismissed one count, saying it duplicated another, leaving Smith facing a possible penalty of up to 8 1/2 years in prison.

His sentencing hearing resumed Wednesday with discussion among the lawyers and judge about jury instructions.

Smith told the court-martial jury that he wished he had learned in basic training how to better avoid getting into trouble with superiors. Soldiers who do not "end up in a heap of trouble," he said.