Deluge of suits awaits Cosby

NORRISTOWN (Pennsylvania): Although Bill Cosby’s sexual assault trial ended in a mistrial on Saturday, his legal problems persist as he faces assault and defamation claims in civil suits.

In suits in the United States, plaintiffs need only show that the weight of evidence is on their side, meaning they have information to tip the scales above 50 per cent in their favour, as opposed to criminal cases that must be proved beyond reasonable doubt.

At least 10 women have pending civil claims against Cosby.

Two have brought claims against the 79-year-old entertainer for sexual assault.

Others, barred from doing so because their claims were too old, have brought defamation claims, saying he smeared their reputations by publicly denying their accusations.

The judge in the criminal case against Cosby case in Pennsylvania declared a mistrial on Saturday after jurors said they were deadlocked and unable to reach a unanimous verdict on charges that Cosby sexually assaulted

AGENCY PIX A spokesman speaking as Bill Cosby (left) leaves the court in Norristown, Pennsylvania, after his case ended in mistrial on Saturday.