Bill Cosby Hearing Continues In Montgomery County Wednesday

NORRISTOWN, PA -- After a tumultuous Tuesday hearing which culminated in several shouting matches between the defense and the prosecution, Bill Cosby will return to Montgomery County court on Wednesday morning. The second day of the scheduled two-day hearing will continue the debate of Tuesday: can 13 other women who have accused Bill Cosby have their testimony used in the present case against him?

The shouting matches Tuesday were between Cosby lawyer Bill McMonagle and Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele as they argued over whether or not the identities of those 13 women should be made publicly available. Ultimately, Judge Steven T. O'Neill said that 11 of the 13 women could be identified because they had already gone public with their story.

One ongoing issue in the case has been Cosby's health. According to a Billboard.com report, however, Cosby, 79, showed "wit and mental agility" in swiftly answering questions on Tuesday. Page Six reported in the fall that the former comedian was suffering from a degenerative eye condition and had completely lost his vision. The reports, which stemmed from a "source close to Cosby,"added that he is in a "personal hell."

Judge O'Neill will also decide Wednesday if the prosecution can use a deposition previously given by Cosby where he admits he bought drugs to use to impair women and take advantage of them sexually.

Cosby faces charges of felony indecent assault of a former friend and Temple University employee, Andrea Constand. The incidents allegedly occurred inside of Cosby's Cheltenham Township home in 2004. Authorities say the actor drugged and sexually assaulted Constand. Although more than 50 women have accused Cosby of various levels of sexual misconduct and assault, Constand's case is the first to be brought this far along in the legal process.

>>Bill Cosby Charged: 5 Things You Might Not Know

Cosby continues to deny all allegations of abuse.

The trial is officially set for June 5, 2017.

Image courtesy Montgomery County District Attorney's Office.