Crimeupdated 1h ago2 min read
MapRussell Brand Sentenced to 10 Years, Six Months for Rape and Sexual Assault
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London’s Southwark Crown Court sentenced Brand to 10 years and six months. Convicted of rape and three sexual assaults; acquitted on two rapes and indecent assault.
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Sentencing at Southwark Crown Court
A London court sentenced Russell Brand to 10 years and six months in prison after a jury found him guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. Judge Joel Bennathan called Brand a "sexual predator" and said he showed "staggering arrogance" during sentencing at Southwark Crown Court in London. The jury of eight men and four women found Brand guilty of attacking four of six accusers, and the court cleared him of two counts of rape and one count of attempted indecent assault.
Brand, who denied all allegations and testified that his encounters were consensual, showed little emotion as court officers led him away after the hearing. The sentencing took place at Southwark Crown Court in London, where Brand’s wife Laura Brand arrived at court as he faced the sentence.
Victim statements and courtroom remarks
Victim impact statements were read out in court, and one woman told the sentencing hearing, "I've been in shock and turmoil for years." Another statement read out by the prosecutor described Brand as "a sexual predator who has no remorse … I just hope he is not allowed to hurt any more women." Brand’s lawyer Ian Winter urged the judge to consider Brand’s good character and told the court that his only previous conviction was for marijuana possession in 1995.
Judge Bennathan also addressed Brand’s request to be released on bail, and he said, "But the hardship has been caused by serious criminal offending by their father." Brand’s father Ron Brand left court and said he didn’t believe in the justice system "on the basis of what I just watched."
Further investigations and next steps
The Metropolitan Police told Sky News that Russell Brand is under investigation for further allegations of rape made by two women. A Sky News spokesman said the suspect had previously been interviewed under caution, and the spokesman added, "Files have been submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service [CPS] in relation to both complainants." Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy said the sentence marked "a significant milestone in our investigation and means Russell Brand has been held accountable for his crimes."
“Files have been submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service [CPS] in relation to both complainants.”
Furphy also said, "Reporting sexual offences can be incredibly difficult," and he praised the women for showing "immense bravery, dignity and resilience" during the investigation and trial process. Brand’s sentencing followed a trial at Southwark Crown Court in London, where a jury found him guilty of rape and sexual assault for episodes spanning 2004 to 2009, and he was cleared of other charges.