Prosecutors ask judge to give Manning to 60 years

FORT MEADE, Md. – Prosecutors are asking a military judge to sentence Army Pfc. Bradley Manning to 60 years in prison.

Capt. Joe Morrow made the recommendation during closing arguments Monday in the sentencing phase of Manning's court-martial. Morrow says the soldier was convicted of serious crimes and deserves to spend the majority of his life in prison.

Manning faced up to 90 years for his convictions on 20 counts, including six violations of the Espionage Act. Morrow did not say why prosecutors were only seeking 60 years.

Manning's defense attorney will give his closing argument later Monday. Manning's attorneys have presented witnesses who said he was under great stress, due largely to his gender identity confusion in the "don't ask, don't tell" era.

The judge said she will begin deliberating the punishment Tuesday.