The court hung on every word uttered by adult performer Stormy Daniels as she gave evidence in the hush-money trial of former President Donald J Trump – but notably absent was the brash, outspoken lawyer who’d thrust her into the spotlight in her legal tussles with the 45th president. It could have been Michael Avenatti’s crowning moment. Instead he’s watching from prison, grabbing at relevancy. Sheila Flynn reports