Yoko Ono’s former driver, who pleaded guilty to trying to extort money from her, can leave the United States voluntarily rather than be deported, a federal immigration judge decided.

A former chauffeur who attempted to blackmail Yoko Ono for $2m (€1.5m), pleaded guilty on Friday to reduced charges.

The Turkish chauffeur of Yoko Ono was today charged in New York with attempting to extort $2m (€1.5m) from her and remanded in custody after being refused bail.