Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs due back in court for hearing ahead of sentencing next week, asks for conviction to be overturned

LOWER MANHATTAN (WABC) — Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is back in a Lower Manhattan courtroom Thursday morning for the first time since his high stakes trial wrapped up with a split verdict.

A judge will hear arguments from both the prosecution and his defense attorneys on points of law that will help him determine a sentence.

Combs was convicted of two of the five charges prosecutors had stacked against him, that could have left him behind bars for the rest of his life.

The split verdict left him acquitted on three of the charges including racketeering conspiracy.

However, a jury found him guilty on two prostitution related charges.

Defense attorneys will ask the judge to overturn his conviction arguing the charge should not apply to him because his intent was voyeurism, not profit, and that the escorts traveled voluntarily.

Prosecutors argue there is more than a sufficient basis to support the conviction.

The Bad Boy Records founder has been sitting in a Brooklyn jail for the past 13 months, stripped from the life he once knew.

His lawyers say the 55-year-old should be freed now, asking for a sentence of no more than 14 months in prison including his time already served.

Federal prosecutors say he should spend several more years behind bars.

More than 70 letters have been submitted to a federal judge from family friends and former employees asking for leniency ahead of Combs’ sentencing scheduled for next Friday.

Thursday’s hearing is scheduled for 11 a.m.