A coughing fit from the defense attorney of a New York neurosurgeon accused of sexual assault forced the judge to declare a mistrial, according to the New York Post.
The trial for Eric Braverman, MD, began March 9. He is accused of sexually assaulting a patient at his private practice in New York City in 2017.
Dr. Braverman's attorney questioned a witness from a conference room outside of the courtroom after he recently fell ill. He could not adequately complete the questioning due to his cough.
Four jurors were previously replaced in the trial due to concerns about COVID-19, the illness caused by the new coronavirus.
The judge declared a mistrial with Dr. Braverman likely to be tried in the coming months.