HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Bill Cosby has lost a bid to delay a key hearing Tuesday in his criminal sex-assault case.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has refused to grant a delay while Cosby tries again to have the case thrown out.

The 78-year-old entertainer is appealing a ruling that upheld charges based on his 2004 encounter with a Temple University employee.

Cosby believes he has a deal with a former prosecutor that he could never be charged in the case. He says that's why he testified in the woman's civil lawsuit.

The Supreme Court order Monday does not say if the appeal is still being considered. But the order denies Cosby's bid to postpone Tuesday's preliminary hearing.

The hearing will determine if prosecutors have enough evidence to send the case to trial.