Russell Brand was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, after the verdicts were confirmed he had a two-word message for his lawyers
Russell Brand was seen giving his solicitors a thumbs-up and mouthing, “I’m good,” following his conviction on one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday. The 51-year-old, who has been remanded in custody, had previously entered ‘not guilty’ pleas to seven charges involving six different women.
Just before the jury delivered its verdict, Brand was observed telling his wife, Laura Gallacher, “I love you”. The former actor, who has three children with Gallacher, was then taken to a prison cell, where he is set to remain ahead of his sentencing on Monday (9 November).
Mr Justice Bennathan informed Brand, “You’ve been convicted of a number of offences including rape. The consequence of that is inevitably a significant custodial term”.
“I regret the hardship caused to the children, of course,” Mr Justice Bennathan remarked while refusing Brand bail. Whatever the good intentions of the family and the defendant today, I think there are substantial grounds to fear he might in the end not feel able to come along and face his sentence.”
After eight-and-a-half hours of jury deliberation, Brand has been found guilty of sexually assaulting an MTV employee at a Soho bar in 2004, alongside a Capital Radio staff member whom he came across in a corridor in 2005. He was also convicted of sexually assaulting a Channel 4 employee whom he compelled to massage him in 2009, and of raping a young admirer he encountered following one of his performances in 2009, reports the Express.
Additionally, Brand was acquitted of orally raping an MTV employee. He was also cleared of attempting to drag another MTV staff member into a toilet to indecently assault her in 2001, and of raping a woman he met at a cabaret performance.
While Brand received his verdict on Thursday, he continues to be investigated by the Metropolitan Police regarding additional complaints lodged by two further women.
Responding to Brand’s guilty verdict, the Metropolitan Police issued a statement. “Today’s verdict is first and foremost a testament to the extraordinary courage, resilience and determination of the women who came forward and reported what happened to them,” Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy stated.
“Despite intense media and public scrutiny, they relived deeply personal and traumatic experiences and placed their trust in us. Without their bravery, this outcome would not have been possible.
“Brand used his influence, status and fame to exploit and sexually offend against women. As his profile grew, so too did his sense of entitlement. I hope this conviction sends a clear message that no one is above the law, no matter how famous or powerful they may be.”