Russell Brand was found guilty of rape and three sexual assaults by a London jury on November 5. The four unanimous verdicts involved four women, and Brand was remanded in custody after the judge refused to grant bail.
The jury at Southwark Crown Court also acquitted the 51-year-old comedian of two other rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault. Brand had denied all the charges, saying his sexual relationships were consensual. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the verdicts after a four-week trial.
Judge Joel Bennathan said Brand faced a “significant custodial term.” His sentencing is scheduled for Monday, November 9; no sentence had been imposed when the verdicts were announced.
Brand’s lawyer, Ian Winter, asked the judge to release him on bail over the weekend, citing the opportunity to put his affairs in order and say goodbye to his three young children. The judge refused, saying Brand had considerable resources and there was a risk he might not return to court to face sentencing.
Police praise women who reported offences
Metropolitan Police Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy said Brand had used his fame and status to exploit and sexually offend against women. He praised the women who came forward for their “courage, resilience and determination.”
The verdict resolves the charges heard in this trial, but the sentence remains pending. The jury’s acquittals on the other counts are separate from the four convictions.
Clayton Ward