British actor and comedian Russell Brand was sentenced Monday to 10 1/2 years in prison at Southwark Crown Court in London after a jury convicted him of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others. The offenses date back to 2004. The jury of eight men and four women found him guilty of attacking four of six accusers but cleared him of two counts of rape and one count of attempted indecent assault.
Judge Joel Bennathan told the 51-year-old performer he showed a "casual and arrogant disregard" for any woman to say no to him. "About 20 years ago, Russell Brand, you were becoming famous," Bennathan said in sentencing remarks. "You were clever — and in many people's eyes, funny and charismatic. You had also become a sexual predator." Prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones said Brand abused the influence and power that came with his fame to facilitate access to women and fed his view that he could offend with impunity.
Brand, known for outrageous stand-up routines and past battles with drugs and alcohol, had asserted he was innocent and that all encounters were consensual. He wore a gray suit with an open collar and clutched a crucifix during the hearing. Defense lawyer Ian Winter urged the judge to consider Brand's good character, citing only a 1995 marijuana possession conviction and his charitable work helping others overcome addiction.
The accusers came forward following a 2023 investigation by The Times and Channel 4. One woman Brand was convicted of abusing spoke in court about the impact of the crime, while others provided statements read by the prosecutor. Brand had been free during the trial but was jailed following Thursday's verdict. His wife, Laura, and his father, Ron Brand, attended the sentencing, along with supporters holding a banner referencing his recent conversion to Christianity.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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