Russell Brand has been jailed for more than 10 years after being convicted of raping one of his fans and sexually assaulting three other women.
The former comedian, now 51, was found guilty of raping a woman in 2009, as well as sexually assaulting female TV and radio workers between 2004 and 2009.
His victims told the court at his sentencing hearing on Monday that Brand was a “sexual predator”, with “no remorse” for his actions.
One woman, whom Brand was convicted of groping in a Soho bar in 2004, said the disgraced comic had been “celebrated” for his “disgusting” treatment of women during his career.
Sentencing Brand to 10 years and six months behind bars, Mr Justice Bennathan said the comic had become a “sexual predator” as he was starting to become famous.
He said Brand’s assault on a Channel 4 worker while he was filming a project in 2009 showed his “staggering arrogance and how your entourage indulged your dreadful behaviour”.
After Brand’s convictions, the Metropolitan Police said it is investigating more allegations against the former TV and radio host.
Russell Brand’s father, Ron, has suggested it is “possible” the jury that convicted his son of rape and sexual assault was corrupt, after he was jailed for more than 10 years on Monday.
Asked about the victims in the case as he left court, Mr Brand Snr said: “Do you mean, Russell?”
Russell Brand’s father lashes out at victims outside court, says ‘possible’ jury was corrupt
Conviction shows fame ‘does not change issue of consent’
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said Brand’s conviction and sentence “shows that fame, status and the passage of time do not change the fundamental issue of consent”.
David Roberts, senior Crown prosecutor for the CPS, said: “We want to thank all the women who were at the heart of this case. They did not know each other and each has carried what happened to them for almost two decades.
“Giving evidence in this trial, and being questioned about these deeply traumatising, personal events took extraordinary courage. They have been able to assist the court further through their victim personal statements, read out today, in which they described in their own words the impact these violating attacks have had on their lives.
“Today’s sentence cannot undo the harm the victims have lived with, but we hope it brings them some measure of justice.
“The evidence presented in this case showed Brand to be a manipulative sexual predator, using his growing fame and power to create situations in which he could pursue women sexually, regardless of what they wanted and with a complete disregard for the impact of his actions.
“Our specialist prosecutors worked closely with police to focus on the actions of Brand – not the victims – and to build the strongest possible case to put before the court.
“Today’s result shows that fame, status and the passage of time do not change the fundamental issue of consent.
“No matter who the abuser is, or what the situation or circumstances are, we will always take allegations of rape and sexual assault seriously.
“I hope this outcome encourages anyone who may have experienced sexual assault to come forward and report what happened, knowing that they will be listened to and supported throughout the process.”
Brand’s Scottish wife leaves court
Russell Brand’s wife made no expression and answered no questions as she walked out of Southwark Crown Court and got into a black minivan parked behind a crowd outside.
Cameras flashed, and the crowd pushed in tight around the team flanking Laura Brand, including security.
Journalists pressed against the car as it drove away at around 2.45 pm.
Questions asked to Ms Brand included “Why are you standing by him?” and “How do you feel? Do you have a message to the victims?”
Rapist will not be eligible for early release scheme
Thousands of prisoners are scheduled to be released in stages over the coming years in a bid to manage chronic prison overcrowding and prevent the British justice system from collapsing.
However, Russell Brand will not be one of them: the government has announced the scheme will not apply to prisoners serving sentences for a number of serious offences, including rape.
Brand will serve at least two thirds of his 10-and-a-half year sentence behind bars, Mr Justice Bennathan told the court on Monday.offender’ brought to justice by courage of his victims, police say
Russell Brand is a “dangerous offender” who has been brought to justice thanks to the “courage” of his victims, the Metropolitan Police said.
Brand sentencing ‘powerful demonstration of why investigative journalism matters’, say documentary makers
A statement from Channel 4’s Dispatches programme said the sentencing of Russell Brand was a “powerful demonstration of why investigative journalism matters”.
The shamed comedian first faced allegations he was a sexual predator following a joint investigation by The Times, The Sunday Times and Dispatches.
Louisa Compton, director of news, digital and audience trust, said: “The courage of these women who gave evidence through the criminal justice system and those who trusted our Channel 4 and The Sunday Times/The Times journalists with deeply personal testimony should never be underestimated.
“Today, and throughout the trial, we have heard of the trauma suffered by the women in this case. Above all else, we commend their bravery.
“This case is also a powerful demonstration of why investigative journalism matters. The women who trusted the original Dispatches investigation helped give others the confidence to come forward.
“That is an extraordinary legacy of their decision to speak out. We owe them an enormous debt of gratitude and Channel 4 will continue to back rigorous, fearless public-interest journalism that gives people a voice and holds power to account.”
Women ‘always retain the right to say no’, judge told court
The sentencing judge said women always “retain the right to say no and demand justice in the criminal courts” from sexual predators like Russell Brand.
Mr Justice Bennathan told the court: “Whatever women wear, wherever they go, whatever they drink, they retain the right to say no and demand justice in the criminal courts when sexual predators like you, Mr Brand, act without their consent.”
The judge told Brand “imprisonment will deprive your children of the presence of their father, that sad loss to them however is caused by your serious offending.”
The judge said factors in mitigation for Brand included his lack of previous convictions and that “17 years had passed” since his final offence, and how Brand had lived his life subsequently including helping those “wrestling with addictions”.
