Russell Brand Convicted of Rape and Three Sexual Assaults

Russell Brand closed his eyes as the jury at Southwark Crown Court read the rape verdict. The 51-year-old comedian was convicted Thursday of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault, then taken into custody after the judge refused bail. The jury cleared him of two other rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault. He is due to be sentenced Monday. ^3,6

The four-week trial heard allegations from six women about incidents from 1999 to 2009, as Brand rose from stand-up comedy to fame on television and in films. Prosecutors said he used his fame to exploit women. Brand denied the charges, saying the encounters were consensual or the allegations were made up. The jury heard accounts of the four offences for which it convicted him, including an assault at a London bar and rape after a 2009 comedy show. ^3,6

The six women can remain anonymous for life under UK rules, and the court limited what jurors could hear. The judge kept references to pop star Katy Perry and Brand’s past drug and alcohol problems out of the prosecution’s case. The verdict gives legal weight to four allegations, but does not settle separate claims now under investigation. London’s Metropolitan Police say two more women have alleged rape, including one who says she was 16 at the time. ^5,9

Police say those two allegations are still being investigated, and prosecutors are reviewing case files. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy said the investigation is ongoing and more women may come forward. Brand has been questioned under caution about the two complaints, but the supplied reports do not say he has been charged in those cases. The next step is sentencing: Judge Joel Bennathan will decide Brand’s punishment Monday. ^5,6