US President Donald Trump has granted a full pardon to British billionaire Joe Lewis, who was convicted of insider trading last year. Lewis, the former owner of Tottenham Hotspur FC, had been fined $5m (£3.8m) and given three years probation for his role in a "brazen" scheme that enriched his friends, lovers, and employees.
The pardon, confirmed by the White House, has sparked little reaction from US authorities, who initially imposed the lenient sentence on Lewis after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy and securities fraud. Lewis had initially faced up to 10 years in prison but was spared due to a non-custodial sentence.
The deal has been welcomed by Lewis's family, who say they are "extremely grateful" for Trump's action. They claim that the pardon will allow Lewis to focus on his retirement and spend time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The fine associated with the conviction is reportedly not being repaid to Lewis or his company.
Lewis's case drew criticism from prosecutors at the time, who claimed they had made an "egregious" mistake in charging him with multiple counts of securities fraud and conspiracy. However, it appears that Trump has now given those criticisms the thumbs down, paving the way for Lewis to enjoy a longer and more comfortable retirement in the US.
It's worth noting that this is not the first time Trump has intervened on behalf of a high-profile individual. Last year, he pardoned several convicted felons, sparking widespread controversy and debate about the use of presidential power in such cases.
The pardon has been met with skepticism by some observers, who say it sets a worrying precedent for Trump's approach to justice. "This is a clear example of the President intervening on behalf of a wealthy individual with close ties to his inner circle," said one critic. "It undermines trust in the US justice system and sets a concerning tone for future pardons."
Regardless, Lewis is now free from any further legal consequences, thanks to Trump's pardon. The billionaire can finally enjoy the fruits of his labor, without the weight of a lengthy prison sentence holding him back.
The pardon, confirmed by the White House, has sparked little reaction from US authorities, who initially imposed the lenient sentence on Lewis after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy and securities fraud. Lewis had initially faced up to 10 years in prison but was spared due to a non-custodial sentence.
The deal has been welcomed by Lewis's family, who say they are "extremely grateful" for Trump's action. They claim that the pardon will allow Lewis to focus on his retirement and spend time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The fine associated with the conviction is reportedly not being repaid to Lewis or his company.
Lewis's case drew criticism from prosecutors at the time, who claimed they had made an "egregious" mistake in charging him with multiple counts of securities fraud and conspiracy. However, it appears that Trump has now given those criticisms the thumbs down, paving the way for Lewis to enjoy a longer and more comfortable retirement in the US.
It's worth noting that this is not the first time Trump has intervened on behalf of a high-profile individual. Last year, he pardoned several convicted felons, sparking widespread controversy and debate about the use of presidential power in such cases.
The pardon has been met with skepticism by some observers, who say it sets a worrying precedent for Trump's approach to justice. "This is a clear example of the President intervening on behalf of a wealthy individual with close ties to his inner circle," said one critic. "It undermines trust in the US justice system and sets a concerning tone for future pardons."
Regardless, Lewis is now free from any further legal consequences, thanks to Trump's pardon. The billionaire can finally enjoy the fruits of his labor, without the weight of a lengthy prison sentence holding him back.
like what did he even do to deserve it? i mean, insider tradin is some serious business and you'd think someone would be more careful but hey, who needs rules if u got the president on ur side, right? his family's all happy now and they can finally chill with their grandkids without worryin about a prison sentence holdin them back. i guess when you're that rich, u can pretty much buy ur way outta trouble 
... I mean, I get that we're supposed to be skeptical of the President's pardoning power and all, but come on... $5m fine for insider trading? That's not exactly a slap on the wrist, you know? 
And now Joe Lewis gets to skate away with a full pardon, it's just... I don't even know what to say about that.
... I mean, Joe Lewis was already getting off pretty lightly with that 3-year probation thingy, so a full pardon doesn't really come as a shock, but still. It's like Trump is saying, "Hey, if you're rich and have connections, I'll make sure you don't do any hard time 
.
I'm all for second chances and whatnot, but when you're dealing with high-profile cases like this, it can't be just about personal friendships and connections... there gotta be some accountability 
? It just doesn't sit right. I get that the guy's family is thrilled and all, but what about the rest of us who actually follow the law? 
It sets a bad precedent and undermines trust in the justice system altogether. Not to mention, it looks like Trump is more concerned with helping his pals than doing what's right 
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! I mean, can't believe Trump just gave Joe Lewis a free pass for insider trading 
. And honestly, who is this guy to decide who gets pardoned? It's not like he's some kinda superhero 
. The fact that his family is "extremely grateful" just makes me think they're being super nice to get what they want 
. I don't know about you guys but it feels like Trump is just trying to line his own pockets with favoritism and cronyism 
.