Russell Brand was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison on Monday. A Southwark Crown Court jury convicted the 51-year-old former comedian of rape and three counts of sexual assault.
He must serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before he is eligible for parole. The trial, which lasted four weeks, examined allegations spanning from 1999 to 2009.
Jurors convicted Brand on four criminal counts. He received nine years for rape. He received sentences of eight, eighteen, and eight months for the three sexual assault counts, to be served concurrently.
Judge Joel Bennathan said Brand was a clever and charismatic public figure who transformed into a sexual predator. He said the non-consensual removal of a condom during an attack was an aggravating factor. “The event as a whole projects flagrant disdain and the belief that fame allows you to act as you wish, whenever you wish, without subordination to the rules by which decent people live.”
Russell Brand’s loyal wife, Laura Brand, leaves court after the comedian and actor was sentenced to 10 years and six months in jail for raping a woman and sexually assaulting three others. pic.twitter.com/8eBArs7nOZ
Victims described long-term psychological damage to the court. One woman testified she was raped at Brand’s Hampstead home in 2009. She said she was left bleeding and struggling to breathe. The encounter forced her to move back in with her parents and left her unable to trust her own instincts.
Another victim was attacked in 2005 at a radio station. She reported that the incident left a “lasting impact” on her life.
Russell Brand has arrived at court. “He’s in there, he’s got a suit on.” pic.twitter.com/oVOqcVOBoq
Prosecutors described Brand as a “ruthless, calculated and manipulative sexual predator” who used his industry status to target women. The incidents occurred at MTV offices, radio stations, and during the filming of the 2010 movie Arthur. One woman, a contestant on his show in 2006, said Brand became angry when she refused to follow his instructions in his home.
Jemima Goldsmith, Brand’s former partner, said she experienced his violence and manipulation. She said she had to contact the police to remove him from their residence in 2014. She said she chose not to file a formal complaint at the time due to concerns for her children.
Defense counsel Ian Winter argued the behavior was merely “rude” or “unpleasant” rather than criminal. The jury rejected this claim.
Brand faces civil lawsuits in both the U.K. and the U.S. The Sunday Times reported on six additional women after the sentencing; these allegations include a 2013 performance at The Chapel in San Francisco and coercive behavior at music festivals. Brand began his sentence at Wandsworth Prison. Authorities continue to invite further victims to come forward as the investigation into his past conduct remains active.
