Russell Brand found guilty of one rape and three sexual assaults

Russell Brand has been found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault by a jury at London's Southwark Crown Court. The verdicts followed a four-week trial.

Verdict Details

According to court reports, the jury found Brand guilty of the following:

• One count of rape involving a 21-year-old fan following a 2009 stand-up show at the Hammersmith Apollo.
• One count of sexual assault against a Channel 4 worker in 2009.
• One count of sexual assault against an MTV worker at a Soho bar in 2004.
• One count of sexual assault against a worker at Choice FM in 2004 or 2005.

Brand was cleared of two counts of rape and one count of attempted indecent assault. The charges involved allegations spanning from 1999 to 2009.

Court Proceedings

Judge Joel Bennathan stated that Brand faces a "significant" custodial term and ordered him to be remanded in custody. Sentencing is scheduled for Monday.

During the trial, Brand maintained his innocence. "I was a drug addict, a sex addict and an imbecile, but what I never was was a rapist," Brand said. He also stated, "I've never engaged in non-consensual activity."

Prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC described a pattern of behavior where Brand would move from being charming to "frightening to nasty."

Brand's barrister, Ian Winter KC, denied that Brand was a "psychopath who rapes people and thinks it’s normal." Winter KC argued that Brand was respectful when women said no and questioned why accusers did not resist.

Ongoing Investigations

The Metropolitan Police stated that their investigation into allegations of rape made by two women remains ongoing. According to the police, files have been submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service regarding both complainants.

Additionally, Brand is facing legal challenges in the United States. He is being sued in the US, where he has been publicly accused of raping one woman in Los Angeles in July 2012 and sexually assaulting another woman in the same city. A third complainant, known as Jane Doe, has launched a civil claim alleging Brand sexually assaulted her on the set of the film Arthur in 2011.

---

Sources

• mirror.co.uk: Russell Brand's lawyer clashes with journalist and says 'I hope you're pleased with yourself' after guilty verdict - The Mirror
• dw.com: UK: Russell Brand found guilty of rape
• theguardian.com: Russell Brand found guilty of rape and sexual assault | UK news | The Guardian

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