WARNING, DISTRESSING CONTENT The notorious actor and comedian has been found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault – he’s now staring down the barrel of a very lengthy prison sentence
Russell Brand has been found guilty of rape and sexual assault. The actor and comedian – who based his public persona on being a ‘ladies man’ – was described during the weeks-long trial as a ruthless, calculated and manipulative sexual predator.
Brand stood outside the door of the dock shortly before the jury delivered their verdicts at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday. He swapped a brief glance at his wife, Laura, saying: “Laura, I love you.”
Wearing a grey three-piece suit, the notorious broadcaster appeared to be praying in the dock before he was convicted of four offences, including the rape of a fan at his North London townhouse.
Convictions
Brand’s allegations date from 1999 to 2009 and concerned six women, who are all entitled to lifelong anonymity.
After eight hours, a jury of eight men and four women found the 51-year-old guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. He was cleared of two further charges of rape and one allegation of attempted indecent assault.
The verdicts are as follows:
- Count 1: Rape – Not guilty
- Count 2A: Attempted indecent assault – Not guilty
- Count 3: Sexual assault – Guilty
- Count 4: Rape – Not guilty
- Count 5: Sexual assault – Guilty
- Count 6: Rape – Guilty
- Count 7: Sexual assault – Guilty
Brand displayed no emotion as he was found guilty, other than to close his eyes when the guilty verdict on the rape charge was announced.
He loudly replied “yes My Lord” when he was remanded into custody, having been told he will receive a lengthy sentence.
Sentencing
The presiding judge, Mr Justice Bennathan, remanded Brand into custody immediately following the verdict and scheduled his official sentencing hearing for Monday (November 9).
Under UK Sentencing Council guidelines a conviction for rape can carry a maximum sentence of life in prison, with standard custodial sentences typically ranging from four to 19 years.
Because Brand is convicted of more than one offence the judge will have to apply a totality principle to his sentence calculation. Mr Bennathan will have to reflect all of the offending behaviour – considering overall harm and culpability as well as aggravating and mitigating factors when deciding the final punishment.
Sentences for multiple offences can be structured as concurrent, to be served at the same time, or consecutive, to be served one after the other.
If all his sentences were served concurrently Brand could serve around 49 years – which would make him 100 years old by the time he’s allowed out of jail.
Barrister’s fiery exchange
The comedian’s lawyer launched an astonishing tirade against a journalist in the corridor outside court moments after the guilty verdict.
Ian Winter KC, who represented the 51-year-old at Southwark Crown Court, told Sunday Times chief news correspondent Rosamund Urwin: “I hope you’re pleased with yourself,” to which the journalist replied: “I’m pleased justice has been done”.
The lawyer then responded: “Well it wasn’t… You f****d it,” with the barrister then sarcastically adding: “Congratulations” before storming away.
Urwin was part of a joint investigation by the Sunday Times and Channel 4’s Dispatches into Brand, which prompted detectives to begin investigating the allegations.
Channel 4 response
In response to Brand’s conviction, a Channel 4 spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are first and foremost with the six women involved in the case against Russell Brand, including those affected by the crimes for which he has been convicted.
“We recognise the profound impact of these crimes and commend the extraordinary courage of all those who gave evidence as prosecution witnesses at trial.”
Reaction from family and friends
Brand’s father has said that he’s “bemused and shocked” by the verdicts given to the disgraced comic.
Ron Brand – who Russell once ‘fought’ in a boxing match – has now jumped to his famous son’s defence and told the BBC that he’s “bemused and shocked” by the verdicts. He said: “I just didn’t expect this – it’s wrong,” adding: “It’s devastating.”
Brand’s former colleague Cole Parker said his attitude towards women was “absolutely deplorable” and that he would go from being “very charming to very angry and threatening when he didn’t get what he wanted”.
The Crown Prosecution Service said: “Russell Brand was predatory and used his celebrity status to commit sexual crimes. He was a manipulator with an insatiable desire to get what he wanted regardless of whether consent was given or not.
“As his career took off, he seized opportunities to assault the women around him. Although his tactics varied, at the centre of every assault was an abuse of power and sexual greed, with a complete disregard for the impact of his actions.
“I would like to thank all the women in this case for their courage in coming forward and seeing this sexual abuser brought to justice.”