Bill Cosby guilty of sexual assault
Comedian faces up to 30 years in prison for drugging and molesting a woman in 2004
The comedian and actor Bill Cosby has been found guilty of three counts of aggravated indecent assault, following a retrial in a Pennsylvania court.
Cosby, 80, faces a maximum sentence of 30 years for drugging and molesting Andrea Constand in 2004. He is “likely to get less than that under state sentencing guidelines”, says the ABC, but given his age “even a modest term could mean he will die behind bars”.
The jury, made up of seven men and five women, deliberated for 14 hours over two days at the end of the two-week retrial, after the first trial on these charges ended with a hung jury just under a year ago.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Cosby stared straight ahead as the verdict was read out. Constand remained stoic, but there were “shrieks and gasps” from Cosby’s other accusers in the courtroom.
When Maryland district attorney Kevin Steele asked that the comedian’s $1m bail be revoked, arguing that he is wealthy and might flee on a private plane, Cosby “stood up and erupted”, says CBS News, calling Steele an “asshole” and shouting that he was “sick of him”.
Despite the outburst, the judge decided that Cosby can remain free on bail until his sentencing hearing, but he must not leave the state. A date for the hearing has not been set.
Cosby’s lawyer, Tom Mesereau, said he plans to appeal against the conviction “very strongly”, adding: “We are very disappointed by the verdict. We don’t think Mr Cosby’s guilty of anything and the fight is not over".
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Saint Paul de Vence: a paradise for art lovers
The Week Recommends The hilltop gem in the French Riviera where 20th century modernism flourished
By Alexandra Zagalsky Published
-
'People in general want workers to earn a decent living'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
What might a Trump victory mean for the global economy?
Today's Big Question A second term in office for the 'America First' administration would send shockwaves far beyond the United States' shores
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Has the Taliban banned women from speaking?
Today's Big Question 'Rambling' message about 'bizarre' restriction joins series of recent decrees that amount to silencing of Afghanistan's women
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Cuba's energy crisis
The Explainer Already beset by a host of issues, the island nation is struggling with nationwide blackouts
By Rebekah Evans, The Week UK Published
-
Putin's fixation with shamans
Under the Radar Secretive Russian leader, said to be fascinated with occult and pagan rituals, allegedly asked for blessing over nuclear weapons
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Chimpanzees are dying of human diseases
Under the radar Great apes are vulnerable to human pathogens thanks to genetic similarity, increased contact and no immunity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies hang over Sydney's Mardi Gras
The Explainer Police officer, the former partner of TV presenter victim, charged with two counts of murder after turning himself in
By Austin Chen, The Week UK Published
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 February - 1 March
Puzzles and Quizzes Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will mounting discontent affect Iran election?
Today's Big Question Low turnout is expected in poll seen as crucial test for Tehran's leadership
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Sweden clears final NATO hurdle with Hungary vote
Speed Read Hungary's parliament overwhelmingly approved Sweden's accession to NATO
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published