US lobbyist starts jail sentence

Mr Abramoff has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to bribe public officials

Disgraced former US lobbyist Jack Abramoff has arrived at a Maryland prison to begin a six-year sentence for conspiracy and fraud.

The charges relate to the purchase of a fleet of casino boats in 2000, but are linked to a wider probe into Abramoff's connections with top Republicans.

Several Republican figures have been convicted or resigned over the scandal.

Abramoff will be expected to work doing menial tasks at the all-male 334-bed, minimum security jail.

Once one of the most powerful lobbyists in Washington DC, he is also awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty in January to separate charges of conspiracy, fraud and tax evasion.

He is co-operating with a government investigation into his activities and his links to the Bush administration.

'Culture of corruption'

Abramoff arrived at about 0630 (1130 GMT) on Wednesday at the prison in Cumberland, Maryland, 130 miles (208km) west of Washington.

The 334-bed jail is a minimum security facility

Inmates at the prison typically stay in six-bed dormitories and work in unskilled jobs, prison staff said.

The investigation into Abramoff's activities prompted Democrats to lament a "culture of corruption" among Republicans in the run-up to last week's mid-term elections.

Former Republican Congressman Bob Ney of Ohio was accused of taking gifts and trips at Mr Abramoff's expense in exchange for backing laws to help his clients, and pleaded guilty in September.

Two former aides to the former House of Representatives Majority Leader, Tom DeLay, of Texas, have also pleaded guilty.

Mr DeLay, who was a close associate of Abramoff, withdrew from the race for re-election.