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28th June 2022
12:40pm BST
Credit: Getty (L-R) Donald Trump, Melania Trump, Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell[/caption]
She has already spent almost two years in a federal detention centre but given that some lawyers estimate more than 160 women and girls may have been victims, many are pushing for a much longer sentence.
Government prosecutors are advising between 30 and 55 years, meaning Maxwell would likely die in jail. The statutory maximum term she can serve, however, is 65 years.
The 60-year-old was found guilty of sex trafficking, transporting a minor to participate in illegal sex acts and two conspiracy charges on December 29, 2021, and her sentencing is due to take place around 11am local time (4pm GMT).
Four victims gave evidence at Maxwell's initial trial but six are due to speak at the sentencing hearing about the impact of the abuse. They include Annie Farmer, 'Kate' (remaining anonymous), Teresa Helm, Sarah Ransome and Elizabeth Stein, as well as Prince Andrew's accuser, Virginia Giuffre.
https://twitter.com/JOE_co_uk/status/1494031327175315456?s=20&t=InU8SjNExxd8gX0n7P7itw
Maxwell's lawyers tried to delay the hearing after they wrote a letter to the judge explaining how she had been placed on suicide watch, claiming that her clothing, toothpaste and soap had been taken away after she was moved to solitary confinement, and that they could not properly prepare for the sentencing.
She also recently said that a fellow inmate attempted to strangle her in her sleep after being offered money from an unknown source.
Maxwell's lawyers have said that "there are numerous prison inmates who would not hesitate to kill Ms Maxwell — whether for money, fame, or simple 'street cred'".
