Judge rules sex assault trial against Cosby likely to begin in July

PHILADELPHIA, May 24 (UPI) -- This summer, embattled comedian Bill Cosby will face one of his accusers in court on aggravated sexual assault charges, a judge ruled Tuesday.

The 78-year-old comedian appeared in Montgomery County court Tuesday for a preliminary hearing in his criminal case after failed attempts by the defense to have it delayed and thrown out. The outcome, however, is not what Cosby or his attorneys hoped for.

"Based on the evidence, I am going to hold you on charges," Judge Elizabeth McHugh said, adding that the trial will likely take place on July 20, she said.

Cosby is charged with aggravated indecent assault for allegedly drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand in January 2004 at his Elkins Park, Pa., mansion.

McHugh reportedly wished Cosby good luck before adjoining court Tuesday.

While Constand can take the stand during the hearing to help the case move forward, under Pennsylvania law she isn't required to as prosecutors can rely on testimony from detectives based on the former Temple University employee's statement to police in 2005.

"It is not necessary for an alleged victim to testify. Instead, the prosecution could introduce the police report," attorney Gloria Allred, who represents over 30 other clients who are accusing Cosby of sexual assault, explained to CBS Los Angeles.

The number of Cosby accusers who say he raped or sexually harassed them between the 1960s and 2000s is now 58. Cosby continues to deny any wrongdoing.