(Photo Credit: Bastiaan Slabbers/Getty Images)
Bill Cosby, once known as America’s dad in his role as Dr. Cliff Huxtable in the classic sitcom The Cosby Show, has officially been sentenced to 3-10 years in prison after beign found guilty of drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand in 2004.
As part of his conviction he has also been deemed a sexual predator which means he must register as such in a registry that will be available to schools, those who live in the area, as well as other victims. As part of the determination he must also undergo counseling for the rest of his life and report to authorities every quarter.
Prosecutors were asking five-to-ten years in prison for the 81-year-old actor and comedian. Sentencing guidelines recommended 22-36 months in prison.
Earlier today, during the proceedings, Constand spoke in front of the court as she asked for justice for what he did to her.
“The shame was overwhelming,” she said. “Self-doubt and confusion kept me from turning to my family or friends as I normally did. I felt completely alone, unable to trust anyone, including myself.”
Bill Cosby sentenced to 3 to 10 years in state prison.
— Montgomery County DA (@MontcopaDA) September 25, 2018
According to Deadline, Judge Steven O’ Neill ruled that he will serve no less than three years and no more than 10 years in state prison. Cosby is expected to appeal, but will have to state in prison while awaiting a decision from the state Supreme Court. He will begin to serve his term immediately.