Update (1002ET): President Trump will not see jail or pay any fines over his criminal conviction in his hush money trial, a judge ruled on Friday.

Days before his inauguration, a New York prosecutor recommended no jail time for US President-elect Donald Trump at his Friday sentencing in his 'hush money' trial.

As the session began, Trump, wearing a red tie with white stripes, sat silently and did not respond when Merchan greeted him, Reuters reports.

Merchan sentenced Trump, 78, to unconditional discharge, which places a judgement of guilt on Trump's permanent record - without any other legal penalties.