Russian sergeant jailed for abuse

A Russian sergeant has been jailed for five years for abusing a conscript who later had to have his legs amputated.

Dmitry Nagaitsev beat Yevgeny Koblov for months at a military base near Khabarovsk, in the far east.

A traumatised Private Koblov hid for three weeks in a freezing basement without food and drink and when found by chance his legs were gangrenous.

Bullying, particularly of conscripts, is a major problem in the Russian army, correspondents say.

Special unit

Sergeant Nagaitsev was found guilty of abuse of rank and degradation by the Khabarovsk Military Court.

Private Koblov was awarded compensation of 200,000 roubles ($7,500; £4,000).

The case followed that of another conscript, Andrei Sychev, who also lost both legs after being beaten on New Year's Eve.

In February President Vladimir Putin called for a special military police unit to be set up to curb military bullying.