US prosecutors have recommended that a British trader accused of playing a part in the 2010 stock market flash crash not be sent to prison, because of his cooperation with the authorities and “clear” lack of greed.

Navinder Singh Sarao, 41, who was accused of using a manipulative trading technique known as spoofing, should be shown leniency, US authorities said in the filings with the Illinois Northern District Court. The recommendation comes ahead of his sentencing on 28 January.