Kobe b*tchslapped by the courts......about time

[Drbio]

DENVER -- The judge in the Kobe Bryant case dealt a blow to the defense Wednesday, barring access to the medical records of the 19-year-old woman accusing the NBA star of rape.




Judge Terry Ruckriegle said no witness during three hearings convinced him that the woman had waived her confidentiality rights by telling others about her medical conditions and treatment.


Ruckriegle also threw out defense subpoenas issued to three health-care providers seeking records.


Bryant, 25, faces four years to life in prison or 20 years to life on probation if convicted of felony sexual assault. The Los Angeles Lakers' guard said he had consensual sex with the woman last summer at the Vail-area resort where she worked.


The judge acknowledged the woman had discussed her conditions and treatment in general terms with friends and relatives, but he thought it was clear she did not intend to waive confidentiality.


Ruckriegle also rejected defense arguments that the woman waived privacy rights by talking with Eagle County sheriff's Detective Doug Winters, who interviewed her shortly after the alleged assault.


Bryant's attorneys have said in court filings they believed the woman's medical records could undermine her credibility and demonstrate she had a "scheme" to falsely accuse him.