When we last reported on Robert Pennington, he was serving 8 years for his part in the murder of Iraqi Hashim Ibrahim Awad. He's just been freed, following a grant of clemency.

Of the eight members of the squad involved only one remains in prison. In making the decision, Lt Gen James Mattis considered the defendants' ages, military experience, rank and involvement in the death, the marines said in a statement. He reduced the sentences of Pennington and others to ensure fair treatment, the marines said.

How did Awad die?

Mr Awad, a police officer, was taken from his home, put in a hole and shot in the head 10 times.
A gun and a shovel were then placed by his body to make it look as if he were an insurgent planting a roadside bomb.

Pennington's role:

Pennington, the squad's radio operator, told the court martial that he did not shoot Mr Awad but that he helped to force him into the hole and held his hand over his mouth.

This is Pennington's second break. When he agreed to plead guilty, his sentence was reduced from 14 years to 8 years. Another marine, Trent Thomas, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to time served.