NEW YORK -- A judge has granted a request by Sean "Diddy" Combs to speed up his appeal.

Arguments could be heard as soon as next spring.

Combs was sentenced to more than four years in prison after being convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.

He reported to federal prison in Fort Dix, New Jersey last week.

He asked the court to expedite the schedule for an appeal of his sentence and conviction.

His lawyers argued the normal appeals process could take too long.

That's because combs has roughly two and a half years left to serve after the 13 months he already served in jail awaiting and during trial.

He also might have further time shaved off after taking part in a prison drug treatment program.

The appeals court judge said Combs' briefs are due late n

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