Donald Trump hush-money trial date set for March 2024 and warned by judge over evidence sharing

Trump virtual appearance
Donald Trump appears on screen in court with his lawyer

Donald Trump has appeared in court via video link to receive a warning from a judge over evidence sharing in his criminal hush money case.

It was his first appearance in court – albeit this time not in person – since hisĀ arraignment on 5 AprilĀ where he pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records and ordering alleged hush money payments.

The former US president, 76, was connected by video conference while prosecutors and Trump’s lawyers attended the Manhattan court in person.

The sole purpose of the hearing was to ensureĀ TrumpĀ is aware of new rules barring him from using evidence turned over by prosecutors to target and attack witnesses.

Donald Trump appeared with his lawyer in court by videolink

 

Judge Juan Merchan first addressed Trump – warning the former president that if he violates a protective order set down in the case he could face sanctions, including contempt of court.

Addressing Trump’s lawyer Todd Blanche – who was sat next to the former president – Judge Merchan said: “Did you also explain this order is a mandate of the court?

Mr Blanche replied: “He understands he needs to comply and if he doesn’t it would violate the court order.”

“Contempt is punishable,” said Judge Merchan.

“Understood,” replied Mr Blanche.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump appears in court for an arraignment on charges stemming from his indictment by a Manhattan grand jury following a probe into hush money paid to porn star Stormy Daniels, in New York City, U.S., April 4, 2023. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/Pool
Trump in court in April

 

Following the hearing, Trump criticised the decision to hold his trial on 25 March next year, calling it “election interference”.

He posted on the social media platform Truth: “Just had New York County Supreme Court hearing where I believe my First Amendment Rights,”Freedom of Speech,” have been violated, and they forced upon us a trial date of March 25th, right in the middle of Primary season.

“Very unfair, but this is exactly what the Radical Left Democrats wanted. It’s called ELECTION INTERFERENCE, and nothing like this has ever happened in our Country before!!!”

Mr Merchan agreed to the extra step of personally instructing Trump on the restrictions after listing them in what’s known as a protective order on 8 May.

Prosecutors sought the order soon after Trump’s arrest, citing what they say is his history of making “harassing, embarrassing, and threatening statements” about people he has been involved in legal disputes with.

In March, Trump warned of possibleĀ “death and destruction”Ā if he was indicted for making alleged hush payments toĀ Stormy Daniels.

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The former porn actress, who claimed Trump’s lawyers made a $130,000 (Ā£105,000) payment to her in 2016 in exchange for her silence over an extramarital sexual encounter a decade earlier, also said she has receivedĀ death threatsĀ from Trump supportersĀ since the facts of the charges were made public.

Stormy Daniels was paid $130,000 in the final weeks of Mr Trump's 2016 presidential campaign
Stormy Daniels

 

The order prevents Trump from disseminating evidence to third parties or posting on social media, and that certain, sensitive material shared by prosecutors be kept only by his lawyers.

Mr Merchan has made clear that the order should not be construed as a gag order, and the former president, who has a “special” status, has a right to publicly defend himself.

Trump is the first former US president to face criminal charges in court, even as he makes a bid to retake the White House in 2024.

His lawyers are seeking to have his criminal case moved to federal court.

Earlier this month Trump was found liable for sexually abusing and defaming writerĀ E Jean CarrollĀ in the 1990s.

Despite consistently denying Ms Carroll’s claims, he was ordered to pay the former Elle magazine advice columnist $5m (Ā£4m) in damages.

Barely a day after the jury’s rule in New York, Trump was seenĀ mocking Ms Carroll on prime-time television, calling her a “wack job” and claiming the judge was “biased”.

Source: Ā Sky News news.sky.com

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