Pennsylvania Court Grants Bill Cosby’s Criminal Case Trial On Hold

Days before the disgraced comedian Bill Cosby face preliminary hearing on criminal charges brought by Andrea Constand, the Pennsylvania Superior Court postponed his trial on March 8.  The Superior Court of Pennsylvania has ordered a halt on the trial until it decides on Cosby's appeal to dismiss the sexual assault case that happened more than 10 years ago.

Last month, Cosby's lawyers filed a motion on the ruling of Common Pleas Court Judge Steven O'Neill that rejected the 78-year-old actor claims that he was granted immunity from the prosecution. However, his appeal was dismissed by the prosecutors. Cosby insisted that former Montgomery County District Attorney Bruce Castor made a promise not to indict him in exchange of a 2005 civil deposition, according to Reuters.  Cosby admitted to giving an anti-allergy drug to Constand before he had sexual encounter with the victim. The actor argued that it was consensual.

"Upon consideration of the Appellant's 'Emergency Petition For A Writ Of Prohibition Ancillary To Appellate Jurisdiction' and the Commonwealth's answer, the trial court proceedings shall be temporarily stayed pending disposition of the Commonwealth's motion to quash appeal," ordered the Keystone State Superior Court in the filing as reported by Deadline.

Cosby's attorneys also argued that Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele would be removed from the case allegedly due to his intention to use Cosby's case during his campaign, PEOPLE claims. On Feb. 29, D.A. Steele filed his response through a court document saying the higher court should dismiss Cosby's appeal until his trial is finished. However, the Pennsylvania Superior Court ruled that Cosby's trial will be on hold until they will decide whether the defense lawyers' appeal of a decision moving the case to trial can be terminated.

Cosby was indicted on Dec. 30 and was discharged on a $1 million bail. During the time, the husband of Camille didn't enter a plea.  In return, Cosby sued Constand, her mother, and her lawyers and the main company of the National Enquirer in the federal court alleging them of a breach of contract. The former popular comedian insisted that he wanted his money back after a civil case settlement in 2006 with Constand's camp.

Cosby has been charged by about 50 women who claimed that he drugged and sexually abused them. The Pennsylvania sexual assault case is the only criminal case he's facing in court.

Tags

Bill Cosby, Bill Cosby Sexual Assault, Bill Cosby case, bill cosby trial, bill cosby appeals, Pennsylvania Superior Court, andrea constand

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