A Fulton County judge sentenced him to 40 years but commuted that to time served and probation. The case was seen as a template for a potential Donald Trump trial. A long, drama-ridden criminal racketeering and gang conspiracy trial of United States rapper Young Thug that began nearly two years ago ended on an abrupt note on Friday NZT.

The Grammy Award -winning hip-hop star reached a surprise plea deal in the case amid threats of a mistrial that could have started proceedings all over again. The rapper, whose real name is Jeffery Lamar Williams, pleaded no contest to two counts: conspiracy to violate Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisations (Rico) Act and participation in criminal street gang activity. He pleaded guilty to six other counts related to drug possession and firearm violations.

He faced 120 years in prison. Prosecutors sought a sentence of 45 years, with 25 served in custody and 20 years’ probation..