British comedian and actor Russell Brand has been sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison for raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others. The 51-year-old former broadcaster and Hollywood star was sentenced on Monday following a four-week trial at Southwark Crown Court.
The crimes, which took place between 2004 and 2009, were part of a case brought by six women, though a jury found Brand guilty of attacking four of them. Brand was convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.
During sentencing, Judge Joel Bennathan described Brand as a ruthless and manipulative sexual predator who acted with staggering arrogance and contempt for his victims. The judge stated that Brand's fame had protected him and that the victims suffered significant and lasting harm.
Following the conviction, the Met Police revealed they are investigating further rape allegations against Brand, including one involving a girl who was 16 at the time. The police have already questioned Brand regarding complaints from two other women and have submitted those files to crown prosecutors.