Cleveland kidnapper to avoid death penalty

Ariel Castro has pleaded guilty to the kidnap and restraint of three women in his US home in exchange for prosecutors recommending a life sentence.

Ariel Castro has pleaded guilty to the kidnap and restraint of three women in his US home.

A man accused of holding three women captive in his home for about a decade has pleaded guilty in a deal to avoid the death penalty.

Ariel Castro entered the plea on Friday. In exchange, prosecutors are recommending the 53-year-old Castro be sentenced to life without parole plus 1000 years.

Castro says a pornography addiction and "sexual problem" have taken a toll on his mind. He also says he was sexually abused as a child.

He had been charged in a 977-count indictment. He is pleading guilty to 937 counts.

He had been scheduled for trial on August 5 on allegations that include repeatedly restraining the women and punching and starving one woman until she had a miscarriage.

The women disappeared separately between 2002 and 2004. They escaped from Castro's house on May 6.