Trump spared prison, fines in hush money sentence

US President-elect Donald Trump was sentenced Friday to an unconditional discharge in his hush money case, sparing him prison time or fines.

Trump was convicted last May for falsifying business records to cover up hush money paid to an adult film star ahead of the 2016 presidential election.

His sentencing was repeatedly delayed for reasons including possible impacts on his presidential election campaign.

His defense lawyers had asked that the case be thrown out. Judge Juan Merchan said the Constitution shields presidents from prosecution, but he emphasized this protection does not reduce the seriousness of a crime or justify its commission.