A London judge sent British comedian Russell Brand to prison for more than 10 years on Monday, denouncing the former television host as a predator who displayed staggering arrogance toward his victims.
Brand stood expressionless in the dock. Handing down the sentence at London's Southwark Crown Court, Judge Joel Bennathan castigated the 51-year-old for showing sheer contempt toward the women he assaulted. The sentencing caps a criminal trial that concluded last week with Brand's conviction on one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.
The offences targeted four women between 2004 and 2009—a period during which Brand rose to international fame as a broadcaster, actor, and stand-up comic.
A predator who showed staggering arrogance and contempt for his victims.
Judge Joel Bennathan, London Southwark Crown Court
The jury reached its guilty verdict last week after weighing testimony detailing attacks that spanned five years at the height of Brand's media career. Bennathan rejected defence pleas for leniency, ruling that Brand's sustained conduct demanded a lengthy custodial term behind bars. Court officers remanded Brand immediately into custody following the pronouncement.
| Case Parameter | Official Status |
|---|---|
| Convict | Russell Brand, 51 |
| Sentencing Court | Southwark Crown Court, London |
| Presiding Judge | Judge Joel Bennathan |
| Offences Proved | One count of rape, three counts of sexual assault |
| Timeframe of Offences | 2004 to 2009 |
| Sentence Imposed | Over 10 years in prison |