Harvey Weinstein has asked for a five-year sentence as he faces 29 years behind bars, ahead of his rape conviction sentencing on Wednesday.
Last month the disgraced Hollywood mogul was convicted on two out of five counts – criminal sexual act in the first degree and rape in the third degree – after being found guilty by a jury of seven men and five women.
The 67-year-old went on trial in early January facing five charges of rape and sexual assault, all of which he pleaded not guilty to.
Now Weinstein’s lawyers have argued he deserved mercy for his already ‘historic fall from grace’ and serious health issues.
In a letter filed on Monday, as prosecutors sought a severe punishment for the disgraced movie mogul this week, his defence team allegedly asked Judge James Burke to give him only five years behind bars.
Advertisement
Advertisement
He is facing a 29-year maximum term in prison.
The jury found Weinstein not guilty on the most serious charge, predatory sexual assault, which could have resulted in a life sentence for the former Hollywood producer.
Now, according to Variety, a seven-page memo was put forth by Weinstein’s defense as they cited his charitable contributions, while also claiming the harsh public backlash should be taken into account.
‘Mr. Weinstein cannot walk outside without being heckled, he has lost his means to earn a living, simply put, his fall from grace has been historic, perhaps unmatched in the age of social media,’ the attorneys wrote. ‘Deserved or not, this is certainly a unique and extremely severe consequence that Mr. Weinstein had to endure, and in the age of social media and given his fame, virtually unrivaled when compared to any other defendant in the state of New York if not nationally.’
Attorneys Damon Cheronis, Donna Rotunno and Arthur Aidala said that ‘the grave reality is that Mr Weinstein may not even outlive that term’ making it ‘a de facto life sentence,’ according to the reports.
Advertisement
Advertisement
The so-called ‘complicated’ nature of the relationships Weinstein had with the two victims in the case was cited, while it was noted Weinstein has been subjected to humiliation during the lengthy trial.
After his 24 February conviction, Weinstein was sent to Bellevue Hospital amid concerns about high blood pressure and heart palpitations, before he was transferred late last week to an infirmary at the notorious Riker Island jail complex.
Despite the defense’s argument, prosecutors wrote that based on ‘a lifetime of abuse toward others, sexual and otherwise,’ the judge should impose a sentence that ‘reflects the seriousness of the defendant’s offences’ and punishes him for ‘his total lack of remorse for the harm he has done’.
At Weinstein’s sentencing hearing, his accusers will again have a chance to confront him in court, and the former producer will be afforded another opportunity to speak, after he declined to testify during the trial.
Once Weinstein – one of the most powerful players in Hollywood – is sentenced, he will be transferred from the city’s jail system to the state prison system.
Got A Showbiz Story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
Advertisement
MORE: Harvey Weinstein ‘miserable’ after bad fall in Rikers Island prison
MORE: Dylan Farrow’s accusations against Woody Allen – a timeline
Advertisement
Advertisement
Entertainment - Latest - Google News
March 10, 2020 at 03:04PM
https://ift.tt/3aKMt86
Harvey Weinstein seeks mercy ahead of rape sentencing - Metro.co.uk
Entertainment - Latest - Google News
https://ift.tt/2AM12Zq
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Harvey Weinstein seeks mercy ahead of rape sentencing - Metro.co.uk"
Post a Comment