James Comey: Judge says government 'missteps' may have tainted case against ex-FBI boss

The former FBI director is facing federal charges after Donald Trump called for his prosecution.

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Judge William Fitzpatrick ordered justice department lawyers to release grand jury materials, including transcripts and evidence, to Mr Comey's defence team. The justice department has appealed against the order.

Mr Comey was charged with making false statements and obstruction of justice in September, after Donald Trump called for his prosecution and appointed a new federal prosecutor to pursue the case.

The former FBI chief, who has long drawn the US president's ire, has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Mr Comey was fired by Trump during his first term, after leading an investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election. Since then, he has been a frequent target of the two-term US president.