Prosecutors in Kobe Bryant case suffer another setback

District Judge Terry Ruckriegle ruled last month that the defense team can use information gathered from the woman’s sexual conduct in the 72 hours prior to her hospital exam, which took place 15 hours after her encounter with the All- Star guard.

There was no explanation as to why the justices ruled against considering the appeal. The order was released as the final pretrial hearing for Bryant got underway.

Jury selection is set to begin on August 27.

The 25-year-old Bryant is accused of sexually assaulting a then 19-year-old woman more than a year ago at a Colorado resort, a Class 3 felony with penalties ranging from four years to life in prison or 20 years to life on probation.

Bryant, who was in Colorado for surgery on his right knee at the time of the alleged assault, claimed the two had consensual sex.