Comedian Bill Cosby’s parole request denied for refusing therapy

Comedian Bill Cosby’s request for an early release from a decade-long prison sentence was turned by the Pennsylvania Parole Board. The 83-year-old is serving time in prison for aggravated indecent assault.

The request was denied after Cosby did not agree to undergo a therapy programme for sexually violent predators, reported Reuters.

The decision, which was originally made on May 11, was confirmed by Laura Treaster, the Pennsylvania Parole Board’s spokesperson.

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Andrew Wyatt, a spokesperson for the comedian, said that 83-year-old expected the same result. He said, “We knew he was going to be rejected. He called me and told me that if he didn’t take the course, he would be denied. He has maintained his innocence from the beginning”, reported Reuters.

Cosby, who was convicted for the rape of a former friend, was sentenced to 3-10 years in prison after being named a sexually violent predator in 2018. 

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However, he would have completed his first three years in prison on September 25 making him eligible for a parole request.

The Pennsylvania Parole Board has set requirements for considering a follow-up request from Cosby, which includes completion of the suggested therapy and overcoming a recommendation, written opposing the parole, from the Department of Corrections in addition to maintaining a clear conduct record, reported Reuters.