Bill Cosby parole petition denied after he refuses therapy for sexual offenders

• Comedian, 83, rejects therapy program for violent predators
• Cosby sentenced to up to 10 years in prison for sexual assault

The Pennsylvania parole board has turned down comedian Bill Cosby's petition to be released from a 10-year prison sentence for aggravated indecent assault, citing his refusal to participate in a therapy program for sexually violent predators.

Laura Treaster, a spokeswoman for the state parole board, confirmed the decision, which was made on 11 May and first reported on Thursday by Nicole Weisensee Egan, author of the book Chasing Cosby, on her Facebook page.