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Weinstein sentenced to 23 years in prison
https://www.news.com.au/world/break...n/news-story/9efa01253f2045e9cdf8d248d4d2a07e
An unrepentant Harvey Weinstein has been sentenced to 23 years in prison following his sexual assault and rape conviction last month.
The sentence was handed down in a Manhattan criminal court by Justice James Burke, who presided over Weinstein's trial.
A jury on February 24 found former movie producer Weinstein, 67, guilty of sexually assaulting former production assistant Mimi Haleyi and raping former aspiring actor Jessica Mann.
"I feel remorse for all of the men who are going through this fight," Weinstein told the court before he was sentenced on Wednesday.
Weinstein said he was worried about "thousands of men" being denied due process in the Me Too era.
In a rambling statement, he said he was "confused" and that he believed he had a "serious friendship" with Mann and Haleyi.
Once one of Hollywood's most influential producers, Weinstein had faced the possibility of a maximum sentence of 29 years in prison.
Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance told reporters afterward that the judge sent a message that "this type behaviour is something that any potential offender is going to have to consider".
"The judge took it seriously, which is exactly how we think he should have. And we're grateful."
Weinstein wore a suit and sat in a wheelchair, while the six women who testified against him were also in court for the proceedings.
In an emotional statement in court, Haleyi spoke of the trauma she had endured since the attack.
"It scarred me deeply, mentally and emotionally, perhaps irreparably, perhaps forever," she said.
Mann also addressed the court.
"I want to remind you I told Harvey, 'no,'" she said.
"I am forced to carry that experience until I die."
Prosecutors in court filings last week said the sentence should reflect not only the crimes of which Weinstein was convicted, but a "lifetime of abuse towards others".
More than 100 women, including famous actors, have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct stretching back decades, fuelling the Me Too movement against sexual abuse and harassment.
Weinstein has denied the allegations and said that any sex was consensual.
Weinstein's lawyers on Monday urged Burke to impose the minimum possible sentence of five years, asking him to consider Weinstein's charitable activities while saying a longer sentence would likely mean Weinstein would die in prison.
"His life story, his accomplishments, and struggles are simply remarkable and should not be disregarded in total because of the jury's verdict," they said.
In Friday's filing, prosecutors listed more than a dozen accusations going back to 1978, when they said Weinstein sexually assaulted an employee of his Buffalo, New York-based music company in a hotel room.
Court documents unsealed on Monday included an email to Weinstein from his estranged brother, Bob Weinstein, telling him he belonged in hell.
"U deserve a lifetime achievement award," Bob Weinstein wrote in the November 2017 message, "for the sheer savagery and immorality and inhumaneness, for the acts u have perpetrated".
Looks like the old Wienermister is spending what's left of his life locked up in the state penitentiary...adios amigo!!
https://www.news.com.au/world/break...n/news-story/9efa01253f2045e9cdf8d248d4d2a07e
An unrepentant Harvey Weinstein has been sentenced to 23 years in prison following his sexual assault and rape conviction last month.
The sentence was handed down in a Manhattan criminal court by Justice James Burke, who presided over Weinstein's trial.
A jury on February 24 found former movie producer Weinstein, 67, guilty of sexually assaulting former production assistant Mimi Haleyi and raping former aspiring actor Jessica Mann.
"I feel remorse for all of the men who are going through this fight," Weinstein told the court before he was sentenced on Wednesday.
Weinstein said he was worried about "thousands of men" being denied due process in the Me Too era.
In a rambling statement, he said he was "confused" and that he believed he had a "serious friendship" with Mann and Haleyi.
Once one of Hollywood's most influential producers, Weinstein had faced the possibility of a maximum sentence of 29 years in prison.
Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance told reporters afterward that the judge sent a message that "this type behaviour is something that any potential offender is going to have to consider".
"The judge took it seriously, which is exactly how we think he should have. And we're grateful."
Weinstein wore a suit and sat in a wheelchair, while the six women who testified against him were also in court for the proceedings.
In an emotional statement in court, Haleyi spoke of the trauma she had endured since the attack.
"It scarred me deeply, mentally and emotionally, perhaps irreparably, perhaps forever," she said.
Mann also addressed the court.
"I want to remind you I told Harvey, 'no,'" she said.
"I am forced to carry that experience until I die."
Prosecutors in court filings last week said the sentence should reflect not only the crimes of which Weinstein was convicted, but a "lifetime of abuse towards others".
More than 100 women, including famous actors, have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct stretching back decades, fuelling the Me Too movement against sexual abuse and harassment.
Weinstein has denied the allegations and said that any sex was consensual.
Weinstein's lawyers on Monday urged Burke to impose the minimum possible sentence of five years, asking him to consider Weinstein's charitable activities while saying a longer sentence would likely mean Weinstein would die in prison.
"His life story, his accomplishments, and struggles are simply remarkable and should not be disregarded in total because of the jury's verdict," they said.
In Friday's filing, prosecutors listed more than a dozen accusations going back to 1978, when they said Weinstein sexually assaulted an employee of his Buffalo, New York-based music company in a hotel room.
Court documents unsealed on Monday included an email to Weinstein from his estranged brother, Bob Weinstein, telling him he belonged in hell.
"U deserve a lifetime achievement award," Bob Weinstein wrote in the November 2017 message, "for the sheer savagery and immorality and inhumaneness, for the acts u have perpetrated".
Looks like the old Wienermister is spending what's left of his life locked up in the state penitentiary...adios amigo!!