A judge has suggested US President Donald Trump's former national security adviser sold out his country when he lied to the FBI about Russia contacts, according to BBC.
Michael Flynn was due to be sentenced, but his lawyers opted for a delay after the judge's blistering comments.
Flynn pleaded guilty in December 2017 to lying about his contacts with the Russian ambassador to the US.
He is the first Trump administration figure to face sentencing in the probe into alleged Kremlin election meddling.
Hours before Flynn turned up for the hearing in Washington DC, President Trump tweeted to him: "Good luck today in court."
The Republican president regularly lambasts the US justice department investigation into whether he or his aides colluded with an alleged Russian plot to sway the 2016 US election in Mr Trump's favour.
Judge Emmet Sullivan rescheduled the sentencing to 13 March.
Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who is leading the Russia investigation, had asked for Flynn to be spared prison time.
Mr Mueller's office cited Flynn's "substantial" co-operation with the inquiry and career of military service.
However, Judge Sullivan told Flynn: "This is a very serious offence.
"A high-ranking senior official of the government making false statements to the FBI while on the physical premises of the White House."
At one point, Judge Sullivan asked the prosecutor whether the special counsel's office had ever considered charging Flynn with treason.
The judge told Flynn: "Arguably, you sold your country out."
Judge Sullivan also said he "can't hide my disgust, my disdain" for the offence.
Judge says ex-Trump aide Flynn ‘sold out’ US
FE Team | Published: December 19, 2018 22:39:42
Judge says ex-Trump aide Flynn ‘sold out’ US
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