One sexual assault count dismissed in Harvey Weinstein case

Harvey Weinstein wears a face mask as he listens in court during a pre-trial hearing in Los Angeles (Etienne Laurent/Pool Photo via AP)

A Los Angeles judge has dismissed one of 11 sexual assault counts against Harvey Weinstein, giving the former film mogul and convicted rapist a minor and possibly temporary victory.

At a hearing with the 69-year-old in the courtroom, Judge Lisa B Lench agreed with his defence lawyers that a count alleging sexual battery by restraint in May 2010 was too old, and outside the statute of limitations.