Russell Brand convicted of rape and three sexual assaults in London

A London jury at Southwark Crown Court delivered four unanimous guilty verdicts against British comedian Russell Brand, finding him guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault involving four women between 2005 and 2009. Brand, 51, was cleared of two other rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault. He was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on Monday; the maximum penalty for rape in the United Kingdom is life imprisonment.

Metropolitan Police Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy said the convictions demonstrate that “no one is above the law, no matter how famous or powerful they may be.” Senior prosecutor David Roberts described Brand’s conduct as “predatory” and said he “used his celebrity status to commit sexual crimes.”

Brand’s lawyer Ian Winter asked Judge Joel Bennathan to grant bail so Brand could arrange personal affairs and say goodbye to his three children, but the judge denied the request, citing Brand’s substantial resources and the risk that he might not appear for sentencing.

When leaving the dock, Brand told his defence team, “I’m good, I’m good, I’m good.”