Russell Brand convicted of rape and sexual assault in London court
Comedian Russell Brand was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault by a jury at Southwark Crown Court, with sentencing scheduled for Monday.
A London jury convicted comedian Russell Brand of rape and three sexual assaults committed between 2004 and 2009, according to Southwark Crown Court. Senior Crown prosecutor David Roberts said the evidence showed Brand used his fame to create situations to pursue women sexually, regardless of consent.
Brand denied all charges and claimed the incidents were consensual, but the jury returned guilty verdicts on the rape and assault counts while acquitting him of two other rape charges and an attempted indecent assault. Judge Joel Bennathan refused bail and indicated a lengthy prison term will be imposed at sentencing.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy said the conviction sends a clear message that no one is above the law, regardless of fame or power. The police investigation remains open for two additional alleged rapes, including one involving a woman who was 16 at the time.
The trial featured testimony from six complainants, who were granted lifelong anonymity, describing various non-consensual encounters with Brand. The case follows other recent high-profile convictions for sexual offences in the United Kingdom.