Cosby ‘could claim dementia’ to avoid jail

Bill Cosby's legal team could point to his in-court outburst as evidence of dementia in a bid to keep him out of jail, it has been suggested.

Actor and comedian Cosby, 80, was found guilty on three counts of drugging and sexually assaulting a woman 14 years ago.

He could spend his final years in prison after a jury concluded he sexually violated Temple University employee Andrea Constand at his suburban Philadelphia mansion in 2004.

When District Attorney Kevin Steele demanded Cosby be jailed immediately as a flight risk, Cosby lashed out in court, calling him an "a---hole".

US entertainment reporter Sam Rubin said this could form part of the Cosby legal team's argument that he should not go to jail.

"I think there's a possibility that attorneys on Cosby's side may point to his outburst in court as a possible pretext to a possible dementia or Alzheimer's claim," Rubin said.

Judge Steven O'Neill decided Cosby can remain free on $1 million bail while he awaits sentencing but restricted him to Montgomery County, where his home is.

No sentencing date was set.

Cosby's lawyer Tom Mesereau said the fight was "not over" and that he would appeal the guilty verdict.

"I mean, in theory, Cosby could go to jail for 30 years," Rubin said.