Comedian convicted of drugging and molesting woman

Bill Cosby has been found guilty of three counts of sexual assault 14 years ago.

The 80-year-old comedian could die in prison after he was convicted of attacking Andrea Constand, an ex-basketball player who was a Temple University employee he had mentored.

The three counts — penetration with lack of consent, penetration while unconscious and penetration after administering an intoxicant — are each punishable by up to 10 years in state prison, which could be consecutive or concurrent.

More than 50 women have made similar claims against Cosby and there were cries of delight in the Pennsylvania courtroom when the initial verdict was announced.

Cosby, who was reportedly silent throughout the trial, grew animated when the district attorney suggested that, as a plane owner, he was a flight risk who should be ineligible for bail.

The comedian shouted: 'He doesn’t have a plane, you arsehole. He doesn’t know', before referring directly to DA Kevin Steele: 'I'm sick of him!' Bail was granted at $1 million.

Cosby's lawyers said he would appeal the verdict, protesting their client's innocence. The comedian had always insisted their relationship was consentual.

The comedian originally escaped conviction during his mistrial last summer which ended with the jury deadlocked.

Five women in addition to Constand, now 45, testified that Cosby had assaulted them. They joined a news conference outside the courthouse with lawyer Gloria Allred, who has represented many of Cosby accusers.

'We are so happy that finally we can say, women are believed, and not only in a hashtag ‘#MeToo’, but also in a court of law,' Allred said. 'After all is said and done, women were finally believed, and we thank the jury for that.'

Here is the reaction of some of his accusers after the guilty verdict was announced

Immediately after learning that Bill Cosby was convicted of indecent assault, some accusers cry, hug, and celebrate just outside the courtroom https://t.co/ycutNpLKsz pic.twitter.com/C5RlQSOKTT

— CNN (@CNN) April 26, 2018

Cosby’s accusers have alleged sexual assaults by him involving sedatives from the 1960s through to the 1990s.

Many accusers stepped forward after footage circulated of Hannibal Buress referencing the rape accusations in a 2014 stand-up routine in Philadelphia.

Earlier in the trial it was revealed that Cosby had paid Ms Constand almost $3.4million in a civil settlement in 2006.

Comedian Larry Wilmore reacted to the verdict by tweeting: 'More importantly, I haven't forgotten about the many women you assaulted and silenced with your power. Good riddance!!!'

Kathy Griffin wrote simply 'Bye Bill', while Brooklyn 99 star Terry Crews added: 'Accountability. This is the only way things will change.'

Family Guy creator Seth McFarlane posted: 'The Cosby conviction is a resonant reminder that power and influence come with significant responsibility, and must never, ever be abused in an evolved society. Hopefully this is only the first step forward.'

-by Jay Richardson

Published: 26 Apr 2018