A US judge on Monday found evidence of “government misconduct” in how a prosecutor aligned with US President Donald Trump secured criminal charges against former FBI Director James Comey and ordered that grand jury materials be turned over to Comey’s defence team.

“The Court recognises that the relief sought by the defence is rarely granted,” Fitzpatrick wrote in his ruling.

“However, the record points to a disturbing pattern of profound investigative missteps, missteps that led an FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) agent and a prosecutor to potentially undermine the integrity of the grand jury proceeding.”

Comey has pleaded not guilty to charges of making false statements and obstructing a congressional investigation.