Bill Cosby Sentenced to Jail Time: Three to Ten

UPDATE: Cosby has been denied bail, and taken into custody.

Judge O’Neill sentenced Bill Cosby to jail time today, three to ten years to be precise, and he made it clear he had no sympathy for the aging comedian.

According to various media sources who were present in the courtroom for Bill Cosby’s sentencing, Judge O’Neill had very little sympathy for Cosby’s character, or his age and health. The hearing started with the Judge ruling Cosby a violent sexual offender, which means Bill will have to report for counseling Monday for the rest of his life. But that’s hardly going to be an issue for Cosby who was later sentenced to three to ten years in state prison.

“No one is above the law,” O’Neil said, adding that “wealth, fame, celebrity or even philanthropy” does not change that. The judge said he is compelled under the guidelines and by a duty to the public, the Commonwealth and the defendant to sentence Cosby under the law.

“This was a serious crime,” he said. “Mr. Cosby this has all circled back to you. The day has come, the time has come.”

Addressing the victim, Judge O’Neill said, “I heard the very clear impact on your life.” He said to Cosby, “As she [Constand] said, Mr. Cosby, you took her beautiful, healthy young spirit and crushed it.”

The defense plans to appeal the decision.

According to the New York Times, the judge initially denied a request to continue bail pending appeal, but after further argument from Cosby’s lawyers, Judge O’Neill went back into this chambers to further consider the issue. So it is unclear whether Cosby will get the opportunity to stay out of prison for the time being.

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