Prosecutors demand 'substantial prison time' for Michael Cohen

Prosecutors on Friday asserted that Michael Cohen, former attorney of United States President Donald Trump, should receive "substantial" prison time for several federal crimes, despite cooperating with law enforcement investigations, which also includes special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia probe.

In a filing here, federal prosecutors acknowledged Cohen's cooperation with the law enforcement agencies in "ongoing matters", but demanded that the seriousness of his crimes amounts to "substantial term of imprisonment," The Hill reported.

The filing cited the 52-year-old attorney's decision to not become a "traditional cooperating witness" with authorities in New York, despite his support and assistance in various investigations.

In August, Cohen had pleaded guilty to paying adult-film star Stormy Daniels as part of a non-disclosure agreement over her affair with Trump. He further claimed that he orchestrated the payments at "Trump's direction". He also pleaded guilty in connection with eight criminal charges.

Trump's former lawyer is set to be sentenced in New York on December 12.

Last week, Cohen admitted to making false statements to congressional panels investigating the alleged Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and agreed to cooperate in Mueller's inquiry.

The once friendly relations between Trump and Cohen soured over Daniels' legal action against the duo over the USD 130,000 non-disclosure agreement, in which the porn star had agreed to stay quiet about her alleged affair with Trump.

The contract, which was signed days before the 2016 presidential polls, also led to the violation of Trump campaign's finance laws, which Cohen had agreed later.