The decision marks the first time a former US president has been found legally responsible for a sexual assault. However, because the trial was in civil court rather than criminal court, he will not be required to register as a sex offender or face any prison time. Instead, Trump is required to pay $5 million (£4m) in compensatory and punitive damages to Carroll: $2 million (£1.6m) on the sexual abuse count and close to $3 million (£2.4m) for defamation.

Following the verdict, Trump posted on Truth Social, his social media platform, in all capital letters: “I have absolutely no idea who this woman is. This verdict is a disgrace – a continuation of the greatest witch hunt of all time!” His lawyer said the former president plans to appeal against the decision.

Last month, Trump pleaded not guilty to 34 criminal charges of falsifying business records over a hush-money payment to the adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election and looks likely to face criminal charges over attempts to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia.

Donald Trump has been found guilty of sexual abuse – so why isn’t he going to prison?