Russell Brand Sentenced to 10 Years and Six Months for Sexual Assaults

British comedian and actor Russell Brand has been sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison after being convicted of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others. At sentencing, Judge Joel Bennathan said Brand had shown a “casual and arrogant disregard” for a woman’s ability to say no. The judge placed the offenses in the context of Brand’s rise to fame about 20 years earlier, saying Brand was seen by many as clever, funny and charismatic, and adding: “You had also become a sexual predator.” The 51-year-old actor-comedian, known for provocative stand-up and television and radio conduct as well as struggles with drugs and alcohol, had maintained his innocence and said all encounters were consensual. A jury of eight men and four women convicted him of attacking four of six accusers over allegations dating back to 2004. He was cleared of two counts of rape and one count of attempted indecent assault. Before imposing sentence, Bennathan said he wanted to recognize the “determination and bravery” of the women whose evidence he had reviewed. He said the punishment was not increased for that reason, but noted that all the women had faced confrontation and claims that they had lied, distorted events or agreed to Brand’s sexual demands. He said this happened because of Brand and his instructions. Brand may seek parole only after completing two-thirds of his term, meaning he will serve at least seven years. If released on parole, he would remain under supervision and subject to specified conditions for the remainder of the sentence. After his Thursday conviction, Brand was taken into custody; he had been free on bail during trial. “A custodial sentence of some length will result,” Bennathan told him. The rape conviction concerned a 2009 incident. A woman told police she went to Brand’s home expecting consensual vaginal intercourse, but that during sex he removed his condom and had anal sex with her. “I said, ‘Can you stop?’” she told police. “I said it repeatedly.” The woman informed some friends shortly afterward, and they later testified at Brand’s trial. Brand testified that the anal sex was consensual and that she never asked him to stop. After Brand’s rape trial, the Metropolitan Police in London said two additional women had made allegations against him. The force said this could lead to further charges and another trial, and that its investigation continues.