Sean 'Diddy' Combs denied bail after being convicted over prostitution-related offences

Sean "Diddy" Combs has been found guilty of transportation for prostitution following a landmark trial in New York - but cleared of more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.

The hip-hop mogul was accused by prosecutors of abusing and coercing three alleged victims, including his former long-term partner, singer and model Cassie Ventura, and other crimes including kidnapping, arson and blackmail. Jurors decided not all the allegations were proven - but Combs still faces several years in prison after being convicted of transporting people across the US, including Cassie and another former girlfriend, Jane*, and paying male escorts to engage in sexual encounters.

However, with the not guilty verdict on three other more serious charges - racketeering conspiracy and two of sex-trafficking - the 55-year-old has avoided a maximum possible sentence of life behind bars. Despite a request by his defence team, he was denied bail ahead of sentencing - which has been scheduled for Friday 3 October.

The mixed result from the jury came not long into their third day of deliberations. In the courtroom in Manhattan, New York, there were cheers from Combs's family, and the rapper himself held his hands up in a prayer motion, looking at the jury, and hugged his defence lawyer Teny Geragos.

His mood seemed very different to just a day earlier - when he learned the jury had reached a verdict on four of the five charges, but were split on the racketeering charge. After deliberating for longer on Wednesday, they came to a unanimous decision.

As the verdict sunk in, Combs appeared overwhelmed, kneeling at his chair and bowing his head in prayer once again. "I'll be home soon," he said as he faced his family members.

"I love you, Mum." The application for bail Combs's defence team argued that as he had been cleared of the most serious charges, he should be bailed ahead of sentencing. His lawyer Marc Agnifilo said he had been a model prisoner and added: "He's not going to flee.

He's been given his life back." But prosecutor Maurene Comey argued Combs had a history of violence, which Judge Arub Subramanian agreed with. "At trial, the defence conceded the defendant's violence in his personal relationships," he said.

After being denied bail, Combs attempted get the judge's attention - but after consulting with Mr Agnifilo, he did not speak. Cassie 'paved the way' Reacting to the verdict, Cassie's lawyer Douglas H Wigdor said that although jurors did not find Combs guilty of sex-trafficking Cassie, she had "paved the way" for the other guilty verdicts.

"By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice," he said. "We must repeat - with no reservation - that we believe and support our client, who showed exemplary courage throughout this trial." Cassie, who testified heavily pregnant just three weeks before giving birth, displayed "unquestionable strength.