LIL WAYNE BEGINS YEAR-LONG PRISON TERM Rapper LIL WAYNE has begun a year-long prison term after a string of delays postponed his sentencing for weapons possession, stemming from a 2007 arrest. The Lollipop hitmaker, real name Dwayne Carter, pleaded guilty last year (09) to attempted criminal possession of a weapon, and admitted having a loaded .40-caliber semiautomatic gun on his tour bus. He was initially expected to be sentenced to a year behind bars last month (Feb10), but he was granted a postponement to undergo dental surgery. The hearing was delayed again on 2 March (10), after a blaze in the basement of the courthouse forced officials to evacuate the building and close it down for the rest of the day. The rapper was finally sentenced at Manhattan Criminal Court on Monday (08Mar10), and taken away in handcuffs to begin his term at an undisclosed city jail immediately. According to the Associated Press, the Grammy winner's lawyer plans to ask for protective custody out of concern for Wayne's safety and health following his dental surgeries. He could be released in about eight months with good behaviour. (JMA/WNWA/IG) Lil Wayne arrives at Manhattan Criminal Court to begin his sentence for weapons possession charges. New York City, USA.