Briton admits oil-for-food role
A British businessman has apologised in a US court as he admitted his role in the UN oil-for-food scandal.
John Irving, 54, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting illegal oil imports despite knowing that kickbacks had been paid to the Saddam Hussein regime in the process.
Following a plea bargain reached with prosecutors it is expected that Irving will now face a sentence of up to six months imprisonment.
His defence team had previously indicated they expect their client to serve no jail time.
Following a brief session in Manhattan District Court, Irving was released on bail of 100,000 US dollars signed by both him and his wife.
He is expected to return to the UK later this week before returning in June for sentencing.