Bill Cosby Has Been Convicted Of Sexual Assault

This article discusses sexual assault. 

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Actor Bill Cosby could conceivably spend the rest of his life in prison, after being found guilty of drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand at his Philadelphia home in 2004.

The 80-year-old Cosby was on Thursday convicted on three counts of aggravated indecent assault, each of which carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

Cosland, now 45, told the court that Cosby had drugged her with pills he called “her friends” before penetrating her with his fingers while she was unable to move.

The conviction comes after a two-week retrial in which five other women testified that Cosby had sexually assaulted them as well. It is the only criminal case to stem from more than 60 assault allegations that have been levelled against the former star of The Cosby Show in the past few years.

A first attempt to convict Cosby ended in a hung jury less than a year ago. This time, the panel deliberated for 14 hours before delivering a verdict.

Cosby was silent as the decision was handed down, but later called district attorney Kevin Steele an “asshole” after Steele asked the judge to revoke the actor’s bail because Steele believed he was a flight risk.

Lawyer Gloria Allred, who has represented a number of Cosby’s alleged victims, said this was the happiest she’d been with a verdict in more than 40 years.

“We are so happy that finally we can say, women are believed,” Allred said. “And not only on #MeToo but in a court of law where they are under oath, where they testified truthfully, where they are attacked.”

Cosby’s lawyers told reporters that their client was the victim of a witch hunt, and that they would challenge his conviction on appeal. The actor is currently out on bail pending sentencing.

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If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.