New York Daily News

5 more accusers to testify vs. Cos

- Peter Sblendorio and Nancy Dillon

FIVE ADDITIONAL accusers will be allowed to testify at Bill Cosby’s upcoming sex assault trial, a dramatic increase from the one allowed at the comedian's mistrial last year.

A Pennsylvan­ia judge made the surprise ruling Thursday, saying prosecutor­s were free to choose the five women following some guidelines. He asked for the names by Monday.

“It shows how desperate they are and that this is a very weak case. Mr. Cosby is innocent of these charges,” Cosby’s spokesman Andrew Wyatt told the Daily News.

One of Cosby’s accusers disagreed.

“This is critical. This is going to be hugely impactful,” accuser Beth Ferrier told The News. “I’m glad there are five. I really feel confident they will establish his modus operandi.”

Cosby, 80, is accused of drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand at his suburban Philadelph­ia mansion in 2004.

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