Jurors at Bill Cosby’s sexual-assault retrial began deliberating Wednesday morning. Less than two hours later, they notified Judge Steven O’Neill that they had a question.
After court was reconvened with O’Neill, the lawyers and the jury in the room, the judge revealed that the jurors had asked for the legal definition of consent.
Hours later, jurors had two new questions, asking if Judge Steve O’Neill could provide both statements of Margo Jackson, who alleges Andrea Constand, an old friend of hers told her during an away game in Rhode Island prior to the allegations that she could accuser allegedly once told a friend she could fabricate a claim of sexual assault to “get money to go to school and open a business.” Jurors also wanted to hear the stipulations made by the Commonwealth and the defense.
“Again, I will have to read that to you. In terms of evidence going out it needs to be given to you in the way, which it was given to you in court.” Judge O’Neill continued. “You also said please provide both statements of Margo Jackson.”
It is stipulated that the telephone billing records are authentic and admissible. The Judge also gave the phone number associated with Andrea Constand and Bill Cosby on those records. Judge O’Neill also read back all stipulations by and between the Commonwealth and the defense.
“Again, I will have to read that to you. In terms of evidence going out it needs to be given to you in the way, which it was given to you in court.” Judge O’Neill continued. “You also said please provide both statements of Margo Jackson.”
During closing arguments, Tom Mesereau told jurors “Margo Jackson is her worst nightmare,” Mesereau says of Constand. “If Margo Jackson is believed by you, we’re out of here.”
Judge O’Neill ultimately denied the jurors’ request to see the statements of Margo Jackson.