Ex-US Navy admiral who partied across Southeast Asia gets 18 months in jail for lying

Over two decades, Robert Gilbeau rose through the ranks to navy admiral and earned a chest full of honours for his service, including a Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

During that time he partied across Southeast Asia with a Malaysian businessman who paid for lavish dinners, drinks at karaoke bars and prostitutes.

That businessman, known as “Fat Leonard”, is the centrepiece of a massive bribery scandal involving navy officers and Gilbeau last year pleaded guilty to lying to investigators about their ties. He was the first active duty admiral convicted of a federal crime and was given 18 months in prison.

Acting US Attorney Alana Robinson called it a “sombre day”.

“When tempted by parties and prostitutes, one of our most respected leaders chose karaoke over character and cover-up over confession,” she said. “In doing so he forever tarnished the reputation of a revered institution.”

Gilbeau acknowledged his wrongdoing in federal court in San Diego. He told the judge he is “deeply sorry” and cannot explain his actions. He stood in court with his fluffy white dog, which accompanies him as part of his treatment for post-traumatic stress.

Gilbeau’s defence argued that his PTSD and a traumatic brain injury from a blast in Iraq should be taken into account, though prosecutors said he was exaggerating his condition because he knew he was going to get caught.

“I never wanted to end my career this way,” said the 56-year-old navy veteran, who earned a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his service in Iraq in 2007. “I’m still proud of my career and to be an American.” Gilbeau wrote in a letter to the judge that “I have no one to blame but myself.”