Russell Brand Convicted of Rape and Three Sexual Assaults in London

A London jury has convicted British comedian and actor Russell Brand of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. The verdict was delivered on Thursday, November 5, at Southwark Crown Court. Brand was acquitted of two rape counts and one count of attempted indecent assault.

The Verdict and Charges

Brand, 51, was charged on seven counts: three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one count of attempted indecent assault. The jury of eight men and four women deliberated for more than eight hours over two days.

The convictions include:

• A rape that took place in 2009, involving a victim who went to Brand's home after meeting him at one of his shows.
• Sexually assaulting a woman when he grabbed her breasts at a London bar in 2004.
• Demanding a woman give him a massage in front of two colleagues and then putting his head in her groin in 2009.
• Pushing a woman who worked at a radio station up against a wall and forcibly kissing her.

Custody and Sentencing

Judge Joel Bennathan told Brand he would be remanded in custody ahead of sentencing on Monday, November 9. The judge said Brand faces a "significant" prison term.

"You've been convicted of a number of offenses including rape," judge Joel Bennathan said. "The consequence of that is inevitably a significant custodial term. My current view is that I therefore have to remand you into custody."

The judge rejected a bail request to let Brand see his children because of the possibility he might flee. "I regret the hardship caused to the children, of course," the judge said. "But the hardship has been caused by serious criminal offending by their father."

Police Statement and Further Allegations

Following the verdict, London's Metropolitan Police Service said Brand was facing further allegations of rape from two women. The suspect has previously been interviewed under caution in connection with the allegations. Brand has not been charged in relation to these claims.

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, from the Met Police, said: "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."

The statement added: "Brand used his influence, status and fame to exploit and sexually offend against women."

Brand denied the charges and said he had never forced anyone to do something against their will. His wife, Laura, accompanied him during the trial.

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Sources

• france24.com: British comedian Russell Brand found guilty of rape and three sexual assaults - France 24
• yahoo.com: Russell Brand faces 'significant' prison sentence after rape and sexual assault conviction
• apnews.com: London jury convicts Russell Brand of rape and sexual assault | AP News
• latimes.com: Russell Brand verdict: British actor convicted of rape, sexual assault - Los Angeles Times

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.