Russell Brand has been sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison after he was found guilty of rape and sexual assault.
Brand’s sentencing hearing took place on Monday, and came after he was found guilty on Thursday of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault following a four-week trial at Southwark Crown Court.
On the counts of sexual assault, the actor and comedian was handed sentences of
- Nine months for count three
- 18 months for count five
- Eight months for count seven
These sentences are all to be served concurrent to one another.
On the count of rape, Brand was handed a nine-year prison sentence, taking the total sentence to 10 years and six months.
In a statement, Judge Mr Justice Bennathan explained his decision in detail during remarks to the court.
Mr Justice Bennathan told Brand he had “become a sexual predator” who told a “series of lies” and displayed “staggering arrogance,” the BBC reports.
The judge added that the comedian’s celebrity status had protected him up until allegations emerged in 2023.
He continued: “Those public declarations that you were a sex offender empowered a number of women to come forward and tell their stories of your activities many years before.
“I now have to sentence you for the crimes you committed against four women between 2004 and 2009.”
During Brand’s trial, the jury heard testimony from complainants and witnesses, as well as Brand himself.
Monday’s hearing also included a number of statements from victims, as detailed in news reports.
One is reported to have told the court: “This has had a lasting impact on my life even if I thought that I had successfully buried what happened.”
READ NEXT: Throwback to Bob Geldof’s famous foul-mouthed exchange with Russell Brand
Brand had faced seven charges in total. He was found not guilty of two counts of rape and one of attempted indecent assault.
Brand is also being investigated over further rape allegations made by two women.
He has already been questioned by officers in relation to the accusations, with the Metropolitan Police saying its investigation “remains ongoing.”