In the abuse trial against former pop superstar R. Kelly (55), prosecutors are demanding more than 25 years in prison.

Among other things, in view of "the seriousness of the offences, the need for prevention and protection of the population from further crimes by the accused", a sentence of more than 25 years is appropriate, the prosecutor said on Thursday night in New York.

In addition, a fine of between $50,000 and $250,000 is required.

The musician's lawyers demanded a significantly lower sentence and had already announced that they wanted to appeal the verdict.

Judge Ann Donnelly's sentencing, which has been postponed several times, is now scheduled for June 29.

The "I Believe I Can Fly" singer has been in prison since his arrest in the summer of 2019.

Last year, a seven-man, five-woman jury found Kelly guilty on all nine counts, including child sexual exploitation, kidnapping and bribery, in an abuse trial in New York.

For about six weeks, the prosecution and defense had laid out the abuse allegations against Kelly from several decades in detail, disassembled and presented their arguments.

Dozens of witnesses came forward and hundreds of pieces of evidence were viewed.

Kelly did not testify himself, but followed the trial in the courtroom.

First allegations against R. Kelly about 25 years ago

The trial is another high-profile legal review of the MeToo era, following cases like those of film producer Harvey Weinstein and comedian Bill Cosby.

Representatives of the MeToo movement celebrated the verdict.

The first allegations against the musician, born Robert Sylvester Kelly in Chicago in 1967, were made around 25 years ago.

In 2008 he was tried for possession of images of serious child sexual abuse - and was acquitted.

The music colossus seemed unassailable on his pop throne: with more than 50 million albums sold, several Grammys and other awards, he was one of the most successful musicians of the late 20th century.

But at the latest when the sensational documentary "Surviving R. Kelly" summarized the allegations in 2019, the singer became more and more lonely.

Stars distanced themselves from him, as well as radio stations, streaming services and then his music label RCA, which belongs to Sony Music.

After the verdict in New York, Kelly is now threatened with further legal disputes: there are also charges against the musician in the US states of Illinois and Minnesota.