Prosecutors in Utah are dropping charges against a polygamist sect leader who is serving a life sentence in Texas over a separate case.

The US state of Utah is set to execute a convicted killer by firing squad after a judge agreed to the inmate’s request, renewing a debate over what critics see as an antiquated, Old West-style of justice.

A small-town judge removed from office because he has three wives faced a hearing before the Utah Supreme Court today in his bid to remain on the bench.