Close X
Thursday, November 28, 2024
ADVT 
Hollywood

US Court Declares Bill Cosby A 'Sexually Violent Predator'

Darpan News Desk IANS, 25 Sep, 2018 03:42 PM
  • US Court Declares Bill Cosby A 'Sexually Violent Predator'
Once dubbed "America's Dad", comedian Bill Cosby, 81, has been labelled a "sexually violent predator" by a US court, implying that he must undergo counselling for life and appear on the sex offenders' registry.
 
 
The Pennsylvania judge made the ruling ahead of sentencing the comedian for drugging and molesting a woman at his suburban Philadelphia home in 2004, reports bbc.com.
 
 
At a retrial in April, Cosby was found guilty of three counts of sexual assault against Andrea Constand. 
 
 
The classification by court means he will need to register with state police and notify any community he lives in of his sex offender status, as well as undergo mandatory counselling for life. Neighbours, childcare centres and schools will have be notified of his whereabouts.
 
 
The actor's defence team had argued the state's sex offender law was too severe given Cosby's age, as well as the fact that he is legally blind.
 
 
The two-day hearing at Montgomery County Courthouse in Pennsylvania began on Monday.
 
 
Psychologist Kristen Dudley testified on Monday that Cosby showed signs of a mental disorder and was likely to reoffend.
 
 
Apart from the label, Cosby still faces a maximum prison term of 10 years after an agreement between prosecutors and his defence team, but there is no mandatory minimum for the convictions.
 
 
Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele called for five to 10 years in jail for aggravated indecent assault.
 
 
Cosby's defence is pushing instead for house arrest, according to bbc.com.
 
 
In June 2017, Constand described how Cosby, whom she viewed as a "mentor", gave her pills that left her "frozen" and unable to stop his assault.
 
 
The comedian was arrested in 2015 and a deadlocked jury resulted in a mistrial in June 2017.
 
 
This year's retrial occurred amid the #MeToo movement that has seen people worldwide come forward to share stories of sexual harassment and assault.

MORE Hollywood ARTICLES

16,000 People Believe Matt Damon Should Be Dropped From Ocean's 8

An online petition has been launched against Matt Damon following his controversial comments on sexual misconduct in Hollywood.

16,000 People Believe Matt Damon Should Be Dropped From Ocean's 8

Sylvester Stallone Denies Sexual Misconduct Allegation

Actor Sylvester Stallone has denied sexual misconduct allegations made by a woman in a police report and now wants her prosecuted.

Sylvester Stallone Denies Sexual Misconduct Allegation

DJ Kaleb Freitas Reportedly Killed in Stage Collapse at Brazilian Festival

DJ Kaleb Freitas Reportedly Killed in Stage Collapse at Brazilian Festival
Brazilian DJ Kaleb Freitas passed away in an accident here after part of a stage collapsed during the Atmosphere dance music festival.

DJ Kaleb Freitas Reportedly Killed in Stage Collapse at Brazilian Festival

Justin Bieber's 'Sorry' Lawsuit Dropped

Singer Casey Dienel has filed paperwork to drop the lawsuit against singer Justin Bieber on his 2015 hit single "Sorry".

Justin Bieber's 'Sorry' Lawsuit Dropped

This Is A Bit Of Dark Time: Will Smith On Issues Being Raised In Hollywood

I think that we are moving into the digital era. It is demanding a certain amount of authenticity. I think it will push us closer to the truth in very interesting ways

This Is A Bit Of Dark Time: Will Smith On Issues Being Raised In Hollywood

Nick Jonas Opens Up About 'New Friend' Priyanka Chopra And Their Met Gala Appearance

Singer-actor Nick Jonas says he has heard a lot about India from his "new friend" and actress Priyanka Chopra.

Nick Jonas Opens Up About 'New Friend' Priyanka Chopra And Their Met Gala Appearance