LA jury finds Harvey Weinstein guilty of rape and sexual assault

Los Angeles: Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein on Monday was convicted of sexually assaulting a woman a decade ago. The jury deliberated for two weeks before declaring that they found him guilty of one count of rape and two counts of sexual assault.

He is facing 18-24 years in prison. He is already serving a 23-year sentence for sex crimes in New York.

Prosecutors call the charges against Weinstein his "reign of terror" during which he has harassed and coerced several young actresses in Hollywood. The MeToo movement gave many of his victims a chance to expose sexual violence in the workplace. The ongoing trial involves accusations by four such women. The jury is yet to reach a verdict on several other charges, reported AFP.

The lengthy trial involved graphic descriptions of the assault committed by the powerful producer on young women trying to find footing in Hollywood. The crimes against the woman referred to as Jane Doe #1 took place in February 2013. Three of the seven counts related to the victim - forcible rape, forcible oral copulation, and sexual penetration by a foreign object - were found to be true.

Prosecutors called Weinstein "a predator" who used his professional and physical capacity to rape and abuse women for years. His victims were made to feel that their careers would end if they spoke out.

Weinstein is 70 years old and has been a leading, influencing producer in the industry for decades.

The jury has been hearing testimony from women who said they were tricked into being alone with Weinstein in hotel rooms. Several said they begged him to stop while he assaulted and abused them. Weinstein has denied all charges against him and his attorney accused the women of willingly undergoing the casting couch for an advantage in the competitive industry.

Prosecutor Marlene Martinez said his "despicable behaviour" continued for decades because he thought he would be excused because he is powerful. "That's just Harvey being Harvey. That's just Hollywood. And for so long that's what everyone did. Everyone just turned their heads," he added.

The jury of eight men and four women acquitted him of one charge of sexual battery by restraint involving another woman. In a similar charge involving a third woman, the jury did not reach a verdict. In the case of the fourth woman, the jury was unable to reach a verdict on charges of rape and forced oral copulation. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Lisa Lench declared a mistrial on those counts.