Bill Cosby sentenced to up to 10 years in prison for sexual assault

American stand-up comedian Bill Cosby, once known as "American Dad,"  has been sentenced to three to 10 years in state prison for sexual assault.

In April, Cosby, 81, was found guilty of three counts of sexual assault for drugging and sexually assaulting former Temple University administrator Andrea Constand at his home 14 years ago.

Before announcing Cosby's prison term on Tuesday, Pennsylvania Judge Steven O'Neill ruled that he would be designated a "sexually violent predator," requiring him to register as a sex offender and undergo counseling for the rest of his life after his release from prison.

Cosby was also fined $25,000 and ordered to pay the costs of prosecutions.   

O'Neil denied Corby's request for bail and ordered him to be imprisoned immediately.  After the ruling, Cosby was taken away in handcuffs.   

The disgraced comedian is the first celebrity to be convicted since the #MeToo movement emerged against sexual abuse.

In June 2017, Constand described how Cosby, whom she had viewed as a "mentor," had given her pills that left her "frozen" and unable to stop his assault in 2004. She told police in 2005 about the incident but prosecutors declined to press charges.

More than 50 women have since accused Cosby of sexual abuse, but most complaints are too old to prosecute.

Prosecutor, victims and others react to verdict 

District Attorney Kevin Steele praised Judge O'Neill for handing down a "fair and significant" sentence for Cosby. Some of Cosby's accusers expressed relief that the trial was finally over.

Bill Cosby's Walk of Fame star to remain

Bill Cosby's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame will not be removed, according to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, despite the sex scandal.

"Once Installed, the stars become part of the historic fabric of the Walk of Fame, a designated historic cultural landmark, and are intended to be permanent," the chamber said. The group added that "the stars only commemorate the recipient's professional accomplishments."

Hollywood has been rocked by a wave of sex scandals which fist came to light in October, when The New York Times reported on multiple allegations of sexual abuse against American film producer Harvey Weinstein.

Since then, similar allegations have been leveled against many powerful men in politics, business and entertainment in the US, sparking mass protests across the country and giving birth to the #MeToo movement. 

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