Headley, 52, Washington born son of a Pakistani diplomat and an American mother, "not only worked at the direction of Lashkar-e-Taiba for years, but also with members of Al Qaeda," prosecutors told US District Judge Harry Leinenweber.

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Leinenweber Thursday sentenced Headley to 35 years in prison in line with the prosecution recommendations, which had suggested a 30-35 year term citing "significant cooperation" provided by Headley to US government's efforts to combat terrorism.

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Ahead of Headley's sentencing, Gary Shapiro, the acting US Attorney in Chicago, told the court in a memo that "Headley played an essential role in the planning of a horrific terrorist attack" in Mumbai.

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