Jerry Sandusky's request for new trial in hands of judges

9/17/2013
ASSOCIATED PRESS

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — Jerry Sandusky’s request for a new trial is in the hands of three Pennsylvania appeals court judges following a half-hour argument session.

The Superior Court panel considered the arguments Tuesday of Sandusky lawyer Norris Gelman, including that the former Penn State assistant coach was rushed to trial on child molestation charges last year.

Gelman also says the trial judge mishandled jury instructions and a prosecutor made improper references to Sandusky not taking the stand in his own defense.

James Barker of the state attorney general’s office argues that a new trial isn’t warranted.

The 69-year-old Sandusky is serving a 30- to 60-year prison sentence for sexual abuse of 10 boys.

The judges didn’t indicate when they will rule. Sandusky wasn’t in court.