Bill Cosby’s trial judge has rejected the disgraced comedian’s bid for a new trial or fresh sentencing hearing, after conducting “an exhausting review” of post-trial motions, it was reported on Tuesday, almost a month after he was sent to prison for sexual assault.
The ruling prompted Cosby’s wife, Camille Cosby, to repeat previous arguments accusing the judge of bias against her husband.
The decision by the judge, Steven O’Neill, in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, prompted Cosby’s lawyers to file their appeal with the state superior court, the next step in trying to reverse his felony sex assault conviction.
Cosby is serving a three- to 10-year state prison term after a jury earlier this year found he drugged and molested a woman in 2004. It was the first high-profile criminal conviction of a celebrity since the #MeToo movement burst forth a year ago after multiple reports of sexual misconduct committed by movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, who denies the criminal charges he is now facing.
Cosby’s case had previously been the subject of a mistrial. His second trial took place in the spring, with additional witnesses for the prosecution testifying to his predatory habits and abuse of power.
The defense wants the 81-year-old released on bail while he appeals over alleged trial errors.
Camille Cosby, in a statement on Tuesday, reasserted earlier complaints, insisting O’Neill should have stepped down because his wife has worked as an advocate for sex assault victims. O’Neill has said that has no bearing on his work.
