A California man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for making bogus emergency calls to authorities across the US.
One of those calls led police to fatally shoot a Kansas man following a dispute between two online players over a small bet in the Call of Duty: WWII video game.
US District Judge Eric Melgren sentenced Tyler R. Barriss, 26, under a deal in which he pleaded guilty in November to a total of 51 federal charges related to fake calls and threats.
The plea agreement called for a sentence of at least 20 years - well over the 10 years recommended under sentencing guidelines.
Barriss apologised to the Kansas man's family on Friday, saying he takes full responsibility for what happened.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"If I could take it back, I would, but there is nothing I can do," Barriss told the court. "I am so sorry for that."
Federico described Barriss as a loner who "found solace in the gaming community" as he became a "serial swatter".
The FBI recognised swatting as an emerging threat as early as 2008, noting it had become commonplace among gamers.
