Sean 'Diddy' Combs sentenced to more than four years behind bars
Hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs was handed down a prison term of more than four years behind bars on Friday after being convicted on prostitution-related charges related to his two ex-girlfriends.
Judicial Process
Defense lawyers argued for a sentence of 14 months, saying their client has transformed following more than twelve months in a New York jail, but the prosecution wanted a decade plus one year, citing his past incidents of violence in relationships.
In addition to government lawyers describing Combs' abuse, the proceedings included testimony from a number of his kids, several weeping visibly; legal representatives who said he was motivating; and in conclusion, an remorseful Combs in person.
Ultimately, The presiding judge said a substantial prison term was necessary as a deterrent, and to deliver a clear signal.
Courtroom Apology
Prior to the judge announcing the sentence of 50 months, Combs addressed the court - his initial public remarks following the commencement of proceedings.
The defendant said sorry to his victims, directly identifying his two ex-girlfriends, an ex-partner, and the pseudonymous woman, who testified under a pseudonym.
"My behavior was repulsive, disgraceful, and unhealthy," he said. "I got lost in excess, I got lost in my ego."
He went on to apologise to his parent and his kids.
"I deeply regret my actions. They merited more," he stated, mentioning his seven children, the majority of which were in the judicial chamber.
Subsequently he pleaded the judge for a second chance, stating he would not risk family time again. "I ask your honour for mercy. I beg your honour for mercy," Combs stated.
"I have no one to fault except myself. I understand that I have gained wisdom from this experience."
Legal Proceedings
In the nearly two-month federal trial in New York City, the prosecution alleged Combs of using his celebrity status and extensive commercial holdings to manage a unlawful operation and sex traffic his past romantic interests.
Government lawyers stated Combs sex trafficked women through "freak-offs", or encounters in which he would pay male escorts to be intimate with his romantic interests while he observed and recorded.
The government argued Combs coerced the women into non-consensual sexual situations with substances and bodily harm.
At age 55, Combs was cleared in July of the gravest accusations against him, racketeering conspiracy and sexual exploitation of his former partners, the first woman and "Jane". He was found guilty on two charges of transportation to engage in prostitution.
Prosecution's Position
For most of Friday morning, Combs displayed a stoic appearance, sitting back in his seat and paying quiet attention as government lawyers claimed of ruining his victims' lives.
Government lawyer Slavik stated that the harsher sentence was more fitting for the seriousness of his conduct. A less strict punishment would "permit the individual to avoid accountability for years of domestic violence and mistreatment," she said.
"The present moment involves answerability and righteousness," she stated.
Citing statements from victims and evidence from one woman and the anonymous accuser that described domestic violence in their associations with the defendant, she recalled for the court of photographs the proceedings included of the harm suffered by the females they say Combs inflicted.
"Monetary benefit wasn't necessary, dominance was his true commodity," the lawyer declared. "This individual represents a threat regardless of age."
Legal Defense
However, the defense claimed that Combs does not fit the definition of a pimp and that the charges related to prostitution on which he was found guilty did not apply. "All individuals in that role have one intensifying characteristic," expressed legal representative Driscoll. "They make money."
The conviction was based on the specific law, passed in 1910, which criminalised transporting women for "the purpose of prostitution or corruption, or for any other immoral purpose." The primary distinction, the lawyer expressed, is monetary benefit, pointing out that Combs received no monetary advantage from the offenses.
The defense portrayed Combs as changed, detailing his constructive involvement at the correctional institution in the NYC location where he's being held and citing "untreated trauma and a ferocious drug addiction" as factors in his actions.
"Combs individually encouraged me," defence attorney Nicole Westmoreland stated to the judge, fighting back emotion. She talked about Combs starting his own recording business and clothing line, which she expressed also encouraged other African American businesspeople and artists.
Subsequent to over a year in custody, The defendant expressed contrition, said Ms Westmoreland. "Your honour, he gets it, simply put."
Kin Evidence
The defendant's offspring - a few weeping - also testified to his change in detention. In possibly the most emotional part of the day, one referred to him as a "changed man" and another asked for a "fresh start" for his parent.
Combs looked on, seeming to fight back emotion and periodically hiding his face.
"In front of you and in front of us is a changed man. He has evolved, something we haven't seen in 15 years," expressed the defendant's offspring Brown.
The teenage daughter, pleaded: "We cannot observe our younger sibling mature without a father like we matured without a mother... Please, please give our family the chance to heal."
Afterwards The judge expressed gratitude, mentioning they would assist in his ruling.
Sentencing Details
The defendant will receive credit toward his 50-month term for the approximately over a year he has been incarcerated {before and