Thread by @JesseKirschNews

SMOLLETT VERDICT WATCH—Special prosecutor has arrived at Cook County courthouse. Follow @NBCNews for latest… #JussieSmollett

#JussieSmollett on his way into court earlier. Right now his attorney is arguing for a new trial/overturned verdict. More ahead @NBCNews. Talking latest @NBCNewsNow with @AlisonMorrisNOW.

Defense motion DENIED--brief recess and then sentencing of #JussieSmollett moves forward.

Prosecution presents 1 piece of evidence in aggravation: letter from Chicago Police/City outlining costs to investigate alleged hate crime. Letter also raises concern this saga reduces "...likelihood that actual victims of hate crimes will report these crimes.” #JussieSmollett

In court, Smollett's 92-year-old grandmother said this, in part, asking for leniency for her grandson: "Jussie is loved and respected by all who know him and I ask you, Judge, not to send him to prison. If you do send me along with him." #JussieSmollett @NBCNews

As judge goes through thought process on sentencing #JussieSmollet, he says: “You put the noose around your own neck." @NBCNews Still waiting on sentence...

Part of judge's recalling the events that unfolded in early 2019. He's now discussing massive police response to track down alleged hate crime assailants. #JussieSmollett

"You're just a charlatan..." says judge, appearing to become briefly emotional in his voice. #JussieSmollett

"This is self damage," says judge. #JussieSmollett

BREAKING: #JussieSmollett sentenced to 30 months probation-- **150 days of which he will spend in jail.** He is also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $120,106 to the city and is fined $25,000, per @mollyroecker.

Astounding turn of events at the end. When judge announced sentence, Smollett—who’d previously declined to speak on his own behalf at hearing—burst out proclaiming his innocence yet again. This as the judge sided with prosecutors, saying #Smollett perjured himself on the stand.

And so tonight, more than three years after he allegedly staged a hate crime on himself Jussie Smollett will spend the night behind bars. #JussieSmollett latest @NBCNews