The Latest: Cosby jury begins deliberating

April 25, 2018

Associated Press,

NORRISTOWN, Pa. (AP) – The Latest on Bill Cosby’s sexual assault retrial (all times local):

1:10 p.m.

Deliberating jurors in Bill Cosby’s sexual assault case have asked their first question of the judge.

The jury returned to a suburban Philadelphia courtroom less than two hours into its deliberations to ask for the legal definition of consent.

Judge Steve O’Neill said he wasn’t able to answer it, telling jurors they’ve already been given the definitions of the charges they are considering.

Prosecutors say the 80-year-old comedian drugged and molested a woman at his suburban Philadelphia home in 2004.

His lawyers say Cosby’s encounter with Andrea Constand was consensual. The defense says Constand falsely accused Cosby so she could file suit against him. Cosby paid Constand nearly $3.4 million in 2006.

Cosby’s first trial ended without a verdict after jurors deadlocked.

The Associated Press doesn’t typically identify people who say they’re victims of sexual assault unless they grant permission, which Constand has done.

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11:10 a.m.

A jury has started deliberating the fate of Bill Cosby in his sexual assault retrial.

The jurors began their work late Wednesday morning after getting instructions from the judge.

Cosby is charged with three counts of aggravated indecent assault. Each count carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Prosecutors say the 80-year-old comedian drugged and molested a woman at his suburban Philadelphia home in 2004.

His lawyers say that whatever happened between Cosby and accuser Andrea Constand was consensual. The defense says Constand falsely accused Cosby so she could file suit against him. Cosby paid Constand nearly $3.4 million in 2006.

Cosby’s first trial ended without a verdict after jurors deadlocked.

The Associated Press doesn’t typically identify people who say they’re victims of sexual assault unless they grant permission, which Constand has done.