Blogger sentenced for leaking Guns N' Roses tracks

The man who pleaded guilty to leaking several Guns N' Roses tracks online from their latest album, 'Chinese Democracy', was sentenced to a year of probation during a court appearance in Los Angeles today (July 14).

US District Magistrate Judge Paul L Abrams also sentenced Kevin Cogill to two months of home confinement, and said that he must allow his computers to be searched by the government.

Cogill will also be required to record an anti-piracy public service announcement for the Recording Industry of America, reports the Associated Press.

During the sentencing, the blogger apologised for his actions and said he was a fan of Guns N' Roses and didn't mean them any harm.

"I never intended to hurt the artist," Cogill said. "I intended to promote the artist because I'm a fan."

Although prosecutors in the case sought jail time and hefty fines for Cogill, Abrams let him off the hook, saying he believed Cogill had learned his lesson and would not repeat his mistake.

--By our Los Angeles staff.
Find out more about NME.