Ghislaine Maxwell is facing the prospect of spending the rest of her life in a cell – but does she have one more card up her sleeve?

The 60-year-old socialite was convicted in New York last night on six charges relating to Jeffrey Epstein’s sex ring.

She was found guilty by a jury following a long trial during which she has remained almost completely silent and denied any wrongdoing.

A date for her to be sentenced has not yet been set but it’s likely Maxwell’s jail term will be double figures and could condemn her to death behind bars.

There is speculation Maxwell could look to court favour with the judge and FBI by disclosing information about other powerful figures who abused girls in homes owned by Epstein. 

Prince Andrew is one of the most high-profile figures accused of crimes connected to Epstein and Maxwell. He has always strenuously denied any wrongdoing.

Earlier this month a legal source connected to the case told Mail Online a guilty verdict ‘could be bad news for Prince Andrew and other high-profile men who hung out with Ghislaine and Jeffrey Epstein’.

They added: ‘It is possible she will begin to co-operate and tell what she knows in an attempt to lessen her jail term. 

‘We know that prosecutors are looking at other co-conspirators in connection with Jeffrey Epstein’s child sex ring. Ghislaine undoubtedly possesses information which could assist prosecutors in other cases. 

‘If she decides to cooperate, her testimony could be devastating. She was Epstein’s right-hand woman for years, imagine what she knows?’

Maxwell has seldom spoke out publicly since first being implicated in the Epstein scandal but was reportedly seen speaking to a journalist in court this week.

According to the Miami Herald, an attorney working on behalf of the family was seen introducing Maxwell to an ABC news producer in court during a break in proceedings. 

The paper claimed Maxwell was ‘heard to say that she was willing to speak to the media’.

Maxwell’s family and legal team have already confirmed they intend to appeal the conviction immediately.

They said in a statement: ‘We believe firmly in our sister’s innocence – we are very disappointed with the verdict. 

‘We have already started the appeal tonight and we believe that she will ultimately be vindicated.’

Lisa Bloom, who represents a number of Ghislaine Maxwell’s and Jeffrey Epstein’s accusers, said she does not see ‘any chance’ of Maxwell’s legal team successfully appealing against the verdict.

Virginia Giuffre is suing Prince Andrew in a New York court, alleging he had sex with her when she was 17 and the victim of trafficking. The Duke denies having ever met her.

Following Maxwell’s conviction, she tweeted: ‘My soul yearned for justice for years and today the jury gave me just that. I will remember this day always.

‘Having lived with the horrors of Maxwell’s abuse, my heart goes out to the many other girls and young women who suffered at her hands and whose lives she destroyed.

‘I hope that today is not the end but rather another step in justice being served.

‘Maxwell did not act alone. Others must be held accountable. I have faith that they will be.’

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