Former Trump ally Steve Bannon has pleaded guilty to fraud after donors who thought they were contributing to building a wall on the US border were duped.
The 71-year-old will avoid jail after getting a three-year conditional discharge as part of a plea deal.
Bannon had been accused of falsely promising donors that all money given to the We Build the Wall campaign would go towards a wall on the US-Mexico border.
Instead, prosecutors said it was used to enrich Bannon and others in the project.
He pleaded guilty to one scheme to defraud count but as he left court said he felt like “a million bucks”
Bannon had called the prosecution, which was due to go to trial next month, a “political persecution” and wants the US attorney general to investigate.
In November, a judge said prosecutors could show the jury an email they said showed Bannon was concerned the fundraising was “a scam”.
Former Donald Trump aide Steve Bannon ‘proud’ as he begins prison sentence in Connecticut
Steve Bannon must report to prison after longtime Donald Trump ally loses bid to stay out of jail
Donald Trump ally Steve Bannon ordered to report to prison to begin contempt sentence
This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.
Please refresh the page for the fullest version.
You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.
