BILL COSBY was sentenced to 3 to 10 years in prison for drugging and sexually assaulting a woman 15 years ago (Wikipedia photo).

Bill Cosby, one of the most prominent comedians and actors of the last century, was sentenced on Tuesday to three to 10 years in prison for drugging and sexually assaulting a woman 15 years ago.

Montgomery County (Pennsylvania) Judge Steven O’Neill said to Cosby, 81, “It is time for justice. Mr. Cosby this has all circled back to you. The time has come.”

Cosby was denied bail and will begin serving his sentence immediately. He must serve at least three years before being eligible for parole.

His accuser, Andrea Constand, 45, smiled when she heard of the sentence. Cosby declined a chance to speak when sentenced.

Cosby started his entertainment career as a stand-up comedian, and first became a television celebrity when he co-starred with Robert Culp in the espionage show “I Spy.” He was the first African American to have a leading role in a TV drama.

His biggest TV success was as affable dad Dr. Cliff Huxtable in “The Cosby Show,” which ran from 1984-1992.