Russell Brand has been sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison following his conviction on one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. Handed down at Southwark Crown Court, the sentence breaks down to nine years for rape and 18 months across the three sexual assault convictions.
Brand was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault (via Deadline). He was acquitted of two additional rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault. The convictions relate to incidents in 2004 and 2009, with the latter including rape. Meanwhile, he was cleared of a rape charge dating back to 1999, attempted indecent assault in 2001, and another rape charge from 2004.
Brand will be eligible for release “on license” after serving two-thirds of his sentence. He spent the weekend remanded in custody at Wandsworth Prison ahead of Monday’s formal sentencing.
Judge delivers scathing rebuke of Russell Brand as he hands down sentence
Presiding Judge Mr. Justice Bennathan delivered a sharp rebuke of Brand during sentencing, describing him as a “sexual predator” who abused his celebrity status. The judge condemned Brand’s “staggering arrogance” toward his victims and criticized his close associates.
“Whatever women wear, wherever they go, indeed whatever they drink, they retain the right to say ‘no’ and to demand justice from the criminal courts when sexual predators like you, Russell Brand, act without their consent,” Bennathan said.
Brand’s barrister, Ian Winter, had previously appealed for leniency during sentencing. In his defense, Brand’s wife, Laura, described him as “amazingly attentive” and “kind.”
During her testimony, she also expressed her love for Russell and stood by him. Meanwhile, Brand had several supporters gathered outside the court, holding banners comparing him to Jesus Christ and claiming he was being “crucified for telling the truth.”
Throughout the trial, Brand maintained his innocence, entering a not guilty plea to all charges. “Consent is fundamental, essential, necessary, and in many ways more important than the sex itself,” he testified during his defense.
Originally reported on ComingSoon.
