Russell Brand sentenced to ten and a half years in prison after being found guilty of rape and sexual assault

Warning: This article contains discussion of rape and sexual assault which some readers may find distressing.

Russell Brand has been sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison after being found guilty of rape and three counts of sexual assault.

The former comedian and actor, now 51, was found guilty at Southwark Crown Court of raping a woman in 2009, as well as sexually assaulting female TV and radio workers between 2004 and 2009. He was also found not guilty on three other counts at Southwark Crown Court last Thursday (5 November).

A four-week trial heard how he preyed on women that he encountered on his way to becoming one of Britain’s best-known comedians.

The presiding judge, Mr Justice Bennathan, said: “About 20 years ago, Russell Brand, you were becoming famous. You were clever – and in many people’s eyes, funny and charismatic. You had also become a sexual predator.

“Your status protected you until 2023 when journalists published allegations.”

Brand will have to serve two thirds of his sentence behind bars and will then be eligible for release on licence. He was sentenced to nine months, 18 months, and eight months respectively for his three counts of sexual assault, which will run concurrently against one another. These will however run consecutively with his charge of rape, for which he was sentenced to nine years in prison.

He has been sentenced (Neil Mockford/Getty Images)

Speaking about his rape conviction, Justice Bennathan said he had 'contempt' for his victims and claimed he was happy to 'take advantage' of her being a large fan of his.

The judge said of Brand's crimes: "The whole episode reeks of casual disrespect, and your belief that fame meant you could act however you liked, when you liked, unhindered by the rules by which decent people live."

His victims, who will have lifelong anonymity, provided powerful accounts in court as their impact statements were delivered, with one of his victims appearing in the courtroom to deliver hers directly to Brand.

Brand was clutching a crucifix in his hands in the dock in court as he was jailed on Monday (9 November).

During the hearing, one woman who was sexually assaulted by Brand in a bar said she was 'extremely upset and traumatised' from the experience, adding: "There were many times I felt visibly sick at the sight of him parading around think he can get away with anything.

"Over the years I tried not to think about it and get on with my life – I had a beautiful daughter who helped me to heal and learn to love myself again and to try and be the best mum in the world for her.

Brand was sentenced by Mr Justice Bennathan (BBC)

"As they say a leopard may change its spots but at the end of the day it’s still a leopard and not a gazelle."

She claimed that she had received death threats after the allegations were made public.

The comedian was found guilty of raping a fan at his then-home in London after meeting her at a performance at the Hammersmith Apollo in 2009.

The three sexual assaults stem from Brand grabbing a woman’s breasts at a Soho bar in 2004, groping a woman at the Choice FM studios and kissing her in 2005, and placing his face in the groin area of a female Channel 4 worker without her consent after forcing her to give him a massage in 2009.

The former film star was told by the presiding judge, Mr Justice Bennathan, at the time of his guilty verdict that he faces a ‘significant custodial sentence’ for his crimes.

He has continued to deny all claims against him, stating that he believes he is the victim of a media conspiracy.

Russell Brand's verdicts

Guilty

Count 3: Sexual assault

Count 5: Sexual assault

Count 6: Rape

Count 7: Sexual assault

Not guilty

Count 1: Rape

Count 2: Attempted indecent assault

Count 4: Rape

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact the Rape Crisis England and Wales helpline on 0808 500 222, available 24/7. If you are currently in danger or need urgent medical attention, you should call 999.