Russell Brand jailed for rape and sexual assault

Comedian Russell Brand has been found guilty at Southwark Crown Court of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others. The offences took place between 2004 and 2009. Mr Justice Bennathan ordered Brand to begin his prison sentence immediately after the guilty verdicts were delivered last Thursday. He is due to be sentenced on Monday, when the judge will hear impact statements from his victims.

Details of the convictions

A four-week trial heard evidence that Brand preyed on women he met during his rise to fame. He was convicted of raping a 21-year-old fan in 2009 after meeting her following a stand-up show. The jury also found him guilty of sexual assault against three other women: one whose breasts were groped in a Soho bar in 2004, another who was kissed and groped at Capital Radio studios in 2005, and a Channel 4 worker who was subjected to an indecent assault in 2009. Brand was cleared of two further charges of rape and one allegation of attempted indecent assault.

Further investigations and calls for change

The Metropolitan Police are investigating two further rape allegations against Brand and have stated they expect more victims to come forward. Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said officers are prepared for many more potential victims to emerge. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy commented that more robust processes are needed to protect women from celebrities who exploit their positions. She stated that it is not possible to definitively say such incidents could not happen today.

Legal and professional consequences

In an incident following the verdicts, Brand's barrister, Ian Winter KC, has self-referred himself to the Bar Standards Board after reports of him verbally abusing a journalist in the courthouse corridor. The journalist was one of those who had previously reported on Brand's alleged behaviour. Brand, who has millions of online followers, has spent four nights in prison since his trial concluded. The judge has indicated that a lengthy prison sentence is expected.