New York judge rules Harvey Weinstein can be extradited to California

Former movie producer already serving 23-year prison term after 2020 conviction

Former movie producer Harvey Weinstein attends a remote court hearing from the Wende Correctional Facility, east of Buffalo, New York, US, on June 15, 2021 in a still image from video. New York State Show more

Convicted former movie producer Harvey Weinstein can be extradited to California from New York to face rape and sexual assault charges, a New York state judge ruled on Tuesday.

Weinstein is already serving a 23-year prison term after his February 2020 conviction in Manhattan for sexually assaulting a production assistant in 2006 and third-degree rape of an aspiring actress in 2013.

He faces an 11-count indictment in Los Angeles on charges that he attacked five women from 2004 to 2013.

Erie County Court Judge Kenneth Case in Buffalo rejected arguments by Weinstein's lawyer that the paperwork to move him to Los Angeles was not in order, and that Weinstein should stay in New York to receive better medical care.

A New York prosecutor told Mr Case that Los Angeles prosecutors might try to claim custody of Weinstein by mid-July, but his lawyers are trying to put that effort on hold.

"We are disappointed by the judge's ruling," said Mark Werksman, a lawyer for Weinstein. "We are appealing his decision in New York.

"And we have filed a habeas corpus petition in the Los Angeles Superior Court to prevent the Los Angeles District Attorney from transporting Mr Weinstein to Los Angeles until he can receive the medical care he needs in New York."

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office was not immediately available for comment.

Weinstein has denied having non-consensual sex with anyone.