Lawyers Fight Over Use Of Deposition In Bill Cosby Sex Assault Case
NORRISTOWN, Pa. (CBSNewYork) -- Bill Cosby was back in court Tuesday as his lawyers and prosecutors argued over which evidence should be allowed at his upcoming sexual assault trial.
During the hearing, Cosby's lawyers tried to suppress the recently unsealed deposition Cosby gave in 2005 during a civil lawsuit, CBS'2 Kenneth Craig reported.
Under oath, Cosby has admitted he gave pills to former Temple University employee Andrea Constand before a sexual encounter with her. Constand says she was too drugged to consent; Cosby says it was consensual.
Cosby's attorneys say the former district attorney promised the comedian he wouldn't face charges for the encounter with Constand. Otherwise, he never would have testified, lawyers say.
Constand is one of dozens of women who have accused the 79-year-old entertainer of sexual assault over several decades. But hers is the only case that has led to criminal charges.
During the pretrial hearing, prosecutors will also argue to let jurors hear from 13 of those other accusers as they try to establish a pattern of behavior.
"Because those witnesses alleged drugging and raping also by Mr. Cosby, that it would show that he would know they would not or could not consent if they were under the influence of drugs or alcohol," attorney Glorida Allred said.
But Cosby's defense says too much time has passed for the women's memories to be reliable.
Cosby has pleaded not guilty.
The trial is set for next summer. If convicted, Cosby could face up to 10 years in prison.