An American Christian serving an eight-year prison sentence in North Korea tried to kill himself, North Korea's official news agency reported Friday.

Aijalon Gomes was "driven by his strong guilty conscience, disappointment and despair at the U.S. government that has not taken any measure for his freedom," the news agency said.

Gomes was sentenced to prison for illegally entering the communist country. As his punishment, the Boston man received eight years in prison at hard labor and a $700,000 fine.

North Korean defectors say the regime is known for its brutal treatment of prisoners, especially Christians.

The news comes as the U.N. Security Council is set to condemn North Korea for a deadly torpedo attack on a South Korean warship that killed 46 sailors.