WASHINGTON — The White House said today it's pleased with the outcome of the war crimes trial of a former driver for Osama bin Laden, although the jury delivered a split verdict.

The jury of six military officers at Guantanamo Bay cleared Salim Hamdan of conspiracy charges but convicted him of supporting terrorism, which could send him to prison for life.

Critics have questioned the fairness of the military commissions. A White House spokesman defended the process.

"We're pleased that Salim Hamdan received a fair trial," deputy spokesman Tony Fratto said in a statement.

Fratto said Hamdan was presumed innocent and had an opportunity to present a defense against war crimes charges.