Things don’t look great for Trump

Constituting a criminal campaign finance violation, the payments could also eventually land the President in jail if he’s proven to have been involved (although probably not until he’s out of office).

Cohen had hoped for leniency given his cooperation with the Special Counsel’s investigation.

That doesn’t “wipe the slate clean”, the judge said on Wednesday.

“This court … believes a significant term of imprisonment [is justified].”

Cohen isn’t alone

Cohen’s sentencing is one of a series that will cascade over the next couple of months. It’s going to be an uncomfortable time in the White House as Mr Trump’s former associates are sentenced for lying and cheating.

Here’s a reminder of who has been charged so far:

Donald Trump in for an uncomfortable time as Michael Cohen kicks off a cascade of sentences – Analysis & Opinion – ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)