Bill Cosby sentencing - LIVE: Judge gives verdict and sentences comedian to 3 to 10 years in prison after ruling him 'sexually violent predator'
Bill Cosby has been sentenced to three to 10 years in state prison on Tuesday for drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand in 2004.
Judge Steven O'Neill has ruled that Cosby is a "sexually violent predator" which means the once-beloved TV comedian is being placed on the sex offender’s registry sent to neighbours, schools and victims. The distinction also requires Cosby to undergo a lifetime of counselling and to report quarterly to authorities.
In April, the 81-year-old actor was convicted on three counts of aggravated indecent assault against ex-basketball player Andrea Constand at his Philadelphia mansion in 2004.
On Monday, prosecutors asked a judge to give the comedian five to 10 years behind bars, while his lawyers asked for house arrest, saying the legally-blind actor was too frail to face jail.
Bill Cosby's spokesman Andrew Wyatt claims Cosby's conviction and sentencing is a reflection of the most "racist and sexist trial in the history of the United States".
Prosecutor Kevin Steele when asked what it meant to see Bill Cosby in handcuffs during a press conference:
“Look it’s not a cause for celebration and we take very seriously the taking of somebody’s liberty but I will not apologise for our job – our job is to separate the predators from the good people in our community and that happened today."
ABC correspondent and former federal prosecutor Sunny Hostin says it was clear to her Judge O'Neill looked at Bill Cosby as "he would look at any other defendant".
CBS Philadelphia reporter Joe Holden says Judge Steven O'Neill says Bill Cosby will face "total confinement". Length of sentence still to be determined.
"After the assault, I wasn’t sure what had actually happened but the pain spoke volumes. The shame was overwhelming. Self-doubt and confusion kept me from turning to my family or friends as I normally did. I felt completely alone, unable to trust anyone, including myself..."
