Russell Brand sentenced to 10 years following rape and sexual assault conviction
British comedian, actor and podcaster Russell Brand arrives at the Southwark Crown Court in London during his trial on charges of rape, sexual assault and indecent assault. He was convicted and sentenced to more than 10 years in prison. (Photo from Shutterstock)
British comedian and actor Russell Brand was sentenced in London on Monday to 10 years and six months in prison following his conviction for raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others.
High Court of England and Wales Judge Joel Bennathan described Brand, 51, as a sexual predator who used his public standing to shield himself from accountability before women came forward following media reports in 2023, Courthouse News Service reports.
Brand will likely serve two-thirds of his sentence before being released on parole, the judge said. The sentencing followed a four-week trial in which jurors found Brand guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault involving four women between 2004 and 2009. He was acquitted of two other rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault.
Before the sentencing, the court heard victim impact statements from the women, who described the lasting effects of the attacks on their confidence, relationships and ability to feel safe.
The judge considered Brand’s charitable work, including helping people struggling with addiction by funding treatment. However, he said good character and exemplary conduct would not normally justify a significant reduction in a prison sentence.
Write a letter to the editor, share a story tip or update, or report an error.
_(1).jpg)
