US court has handed Donald Trump an exceptional verdict in a bribery case granting him unconditional release instead of imprisonment or fines.
Trump, who set to take the oath as 47th President of United States on January 20 becomes first convicted individual to hold office in US history.
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Case revolves around 130,000 payment Trump allegedly made to adult film star Stormy Daniels in 2016 to silence claims of an affair before the presidential election.
Despite denying the allegations Trump failed to provide sufficient evidence in his defense. In May of last year New York criminal court found him guilty.
Judge Juan Merchan announced historic verdict just ten days before Trump’s inauguration. In a virtual appearance from his Florida residence at Mar-a-Lago Trump described legal ordeal as “horrific” and claimed case politically motivated attempt to tarnish his reputation and influence election.
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Judge Merchan stated, “This is an extraordinary and unprecedented situation. Court has never faced such a case involving an individual of such significance. Only legally permissible sentence, without interfering with role of the highest public office is unconditional release.” While Trump remains convicted, verdict imposes no penalties or restrictions on him.
Legal experts noted that US law allows for up to four years of imprisonment for cases like this but Trump avoided any jail time. He has announced plans to appeal ruling.
Trump’s upcoming inauguration marks a unique chapter in American history as he becomes the first president to assume office with a criminal conviction.
