Harvey Weinstein has been handed a 23-year prison sentence for rape and sexual assault, despite pleading to the judge that he should be remembered for his philanthropy, Oscar-winning films and “wonderful times” with his accusers.

Weinstein did not seem to react as Judge James Burke announced his tough sentence – 20 years for the criminal sexual act and three for rape in the third degree, with the sentence to be served consecutively. The sentence of 23 years was close to the maximum of 29.

But last night instead of being in prison, Weinstein was again in Bellevue hospital.

“He had chest pains and Rikers staff decided for safety to send him back to Bellevue now,” said Juda Engelmayer, his spokesman. “He will be evaluated and likely will stay overnight.”

He will then be taken to a prison in the town of Fishkill, 70 miles north of New York, to await his more permanent prison home.

Few expected so severe a sentence, and the six women in the front row turned in astonishment to hug each other, many in tears.

“No one thought we would be here today,” said Miss Wulff. “No one thought he’d ever see a courtroom. And when the judge said 23… For the first time today I feel a sense of, happiness, I guess? This isn’t a happy set of circumstances. But I feel joyous.”