Russell Brand sentenced to 10½ years for rape and sexual assault

Comedian and podcaster Russell Brand was sentenced to 10½ years in prison after being convicted of three counts of sexual assault and one count of rape.

The sentencing took place on Monday, with Brand reciting the rosary as victim impact statements were read. The judge, Mr Justice Bennathan, noted mitigating factors including Brand’s lack of previous convictions, his charitable work assisting people with addictions, and the 17‑year gap since the last offence.

Despite these factors, the judge reduced the sentence by one year, stating that “good character” and “exemplary conduct” normally carry little weight in such cases. He also affirmed that Brand’s fame did not influence the punishment.

The offences occurred between 2004 and 2009, the latter coinciding with Brand’s relationship with pop star Katy Perry. The jury deliberated for nine hours and 13 minutes before returning the guilty verdicts.

Brand, 51, showed no emotion when the sentence was handed down but told his wife, Laura, “we’ll be okay” as he was led away. Their ten‑year‑old child was also mentioned by Brand’s defence as an innocent party.

Source: Newstalk. Photo: Zachary Caraway / Pexels.