JUST IN: US Court Sentences President-Elect Trump Over Hush-Money

By Sunday Onye, Senior correspondent

In a significant ruling, a judge has sentenced United States President-elect Donald Trump in his hush-money case.

Congress learnt that last May, Trump was found guilty of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, but his sentencing had been postponed several times.

The court judge sentenced President-elect Trump to an “unconditional discharge,” marking the conclusion of the first criminal trial involving a former US president.

This judgment simply means that Trump, who is set to be sworn in on Jan. 20 following the ratification of his election results, will face no penalties, including jail time or fines.

Justice Juan Merchan, who ultimately ordered Trump’s virtual appearance on Friday, stated: “This court has determined that the only lawful sentence that permits entry of judgment or conviction without encroaching on the highest office in the land is an unconditional discharge.

Trump appeared virtually from Florida and delivered a brief speech, asserting his “total innocence.”