John Kiriakou is waiting for a phone call. When it comes, he'll pack – say goodbye to his wife and five children. And then he'll go to jail for the next two and a half years.

The sentence was already agreed even before he made his final appearance in court. It was part of a plea deal. He said he was guilty and in return the government would propose a 30 month jail term.

The judge at the trial in Virginia was not impressed. Leonie M Brinkema insisted the sentence was "way too light". John Kiriakou knows if he had gone to trial, he could be facing at least 30 years in prison. At 48, it could be a life sentence.