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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Lucy Needham

Harvey Weinstein 'ditches walking aid' immediately after being found guilty of rape

Harvey Weinstein has ditched his now infamous walker after being found guilty of rape and sexual assault.

The disgraced movie mogul had been pictured using the aid throughout his trial with some critics claiming he was faking his injuries for sympathy.

Hobbling in and out of New York's supreme court over the last few weeks, 67-year-old Weinstein had cut a frail figure as he was repeatedly pictured hunched over the stroller - that had even been fitted with tennis balls for easier use.

But after a jury found the producer guilty of third degree rape and first degree sex assault, Weinstein noticeably cast his walker aside leaving an assistant to take the device away.

Weinstein had been using the walker to aid his entry to New York's Supreme Court throughout his trial (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Following his guilty verdict, an assistant was seen taking the stroller away (Twitter)

Some sceptics had questioned if Weinstein had been over exaggerating his need for the walking aid in attempt to drum up sympathy during his trial.

Responding to his laboured entrances to the court room, accuser Rose McGowan said: "I think he's taken some good acting tips."

While fellow actress and accuser Rosanna Arquette described Weinstein as a 'very broken man.'

Weinstein claimed he depended on the zimmer frame to get around (Janet Mayer / SplashNews.com)

It was previously alleged Weinstein underwent a three hour operation on his back for decompression surgery, also known as a laminectomy, last year.

The procedure corrects pinched nerves in the spine which result in intense leg or back pain.

Weinstein had also claimed he was injured from a car accident in August.

Harvey Weinstein and accuser Rose McGowan who joked he'd been taking 'acting tips' (FilmMagic, Inc)

His lawyer, Donna Rotunno, previously dismissed claims that Weinstein was faking his injuries for empathy.

"I was dismayed to see all the press coverage incorrectly stating that Mr Weinstein was trying to garner sympathy at his court appearance.

"Mr Weinstein was in a serious car accident in August, which resulted in a concussion and has now necessitated the need for back surgery later this week."

She added: "The press surrounding his physical condition is mean spirited and false."

Film producer Harvey Weinstein is handcuffed after his guilty verdict in his sexual assault trial (REUTERS)

But after Weinstein was convicted of sexual assault on Monday, the Miramax co-founder was led away by cops on foot.

Yesterday, a jury convicted him of sexually assaulting former production assistant Mimi Haleyi in 2006 and raping Jessica Mann in 2013.

He now faces up to 25 years in prison though his lawyers say he will appeal.

Weinstein also faces charges in Los Angeles of assaulting two women in 2013.

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