A judge has dismissed criminal cases against Donald Trump critics James Comey and Letitia James after finding that the prosecutor was illegally appointed.

Mr Comey is the former FBI director and Ms James is New York attorney general.

In his ruling, Judge Cameron Currie said: “All actions flowing from Ms. [Lindsey] Halligan’s defective appointment, including securing and signing Mr Comey’s indictment, were unlawful exercises of executive power and are hereby set aside.

Image:
Letitia James. File Pic: AP

“The Attorney General’s attempts to ratify Ms. Halligan’s actions were ineffective and are hereby set aside.”

The orders make Lindsey Halligan the latest Trump administration prosecutor to be disqualified because of the manner in which they were appointed.

Mr Comey has pleaded not guilty to charges of making false statements and obstructing Congress and Ms James has pleaded not guilty to charges of bank fraud and lying to a financial institution.

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

More from US

Please refresh the page for the latest version.

You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.