Charlie Kirk's alleged killer wins interim legal victory due to 'extraordinary' attention

The 22-year-old's lawyers argued that photos of him in prison clothing and shackles could risk prejudicing future jurors as they would be widely spread due to the large press coverage and public interest.

Judge Tony Graf agreed the case has drawn "extraordinary" attention from both the media and the public.

He said certain allowances would be made to protect Mr Robinson's presumption of innocence before the trial, saying: "Mr Robinson shall be dressed as one who is presumed innocent."

Mr Robinson, who this time appeared from jail on a blacked out screen and spoke only to confirm his identity, previously appeared in court virtually while wearing an anti-suicide vest.

The 22-year-old is on suicide watch in prison meaning his every move is monitored.

HIs lawyers previously said: "With each development in the case generating thousands of articles and comments online, the likelihood of potential jurors seeing and drawing conclusions regarding Mr Robinson's guilt and or deserved punishment from obvious signs of pretrial incarceration will only increase.

"Indeed, given the pervasive media coverage in this case, the repeated and ubiquitous display of Mr Robinson in jail garb, shackles, and a suicide vest will undoubtedly be viewed by prospective jurors and will inevitably lead to prospective juror perception that he is guilty and deserving of death."

They added Mr Robinson had been "polite, deferential to jail staff and without any disciplinary issue while in the Utah County Jail."

Utah prosecutors are planning to seek the death penalty for Mr Robinson, who has been charged with aggravated murder over the shooting of conservative activist Mr Kirk on September 10.

Although the 22-year-old does not have a criminal history, Judge Graf said the charges are extremely serious and as such there are safety concerns in the courtroom.

He added that the highest priority of the court is to protect the attorneys, court staff and Mr Robinson during the hearings.

The Judge denied Mr Robinson's request to appear without restraints but did ban members of the press from photographing or filming his restraints.

Cameras will also not be allowed to show "him entering, exiting or standing in the courtroom".

Mr Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at a rally at Utah Valley University.

Mr Robinson was arrested the following day after he turned himself in to his hometown sheriff's office.

Nate Brooksby, the Washington County sheriff, said: "Part of the negotiation of getting him to bring himself in was that we would treat it as delicate and as soft as possible to make him feel comfortable to where he would show up at my office."

Mr Robinson was ordered by Judge Graf to appear on January 16 and January 30 for his first in-person hearings.