Woman’s sex life can be used as evidence in Bryant case

Ruckriegle said the information from the woman’s sexual encounters in the three days before her July 1, 2003, hospital examination are necessary to help figure out the exact cause of her injuries and the source of DNA evidence.

The judge also ruled that the credibility of the woman was a factor and the sexual history was needed in the case.

Colorado’s strict rape-shield law, which generally prevents the sex life of an alleged assault victim from being admitted as evidence, does not apply to all the information Bryant’s lawyers want to introduce, Ruckriegle said.

The 25-year-old Bryant is accused of sexually assaulting a woman nearly 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.

The trial for the All-Star guard is set to begin on August 27.