Why Bill Cosby was released after being convicted of sexually assaulting Andrea Constand After nearly three years in jail, Bill Cosby's sexual assault conviction has been thrown out, allowing him to walk free from prison. Here's a look at the case against Mr Cosby and what the court's decision means. 1 July 2021 Bill Cosby's sexual assault conviction has been thrown out, allowing him to walk free from prison. He had spent about three years locked up after he was found guilty of drugging and molesting Temple University employee Andrea Constand at his suburban Philadelphia mansion. Mr Cosby, 83, was the first celebrity tried and convicted in the #MeToo era, and his conviction was seen as a turning point in the movement to hold powerful men accountable for sexual misconduct.