RUSSELL BRAND AWAITS SENTENCING AFTER RAPE CONVICTION

A jury at Southwark Crown Court found Russell Brand guilty of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others after a trial lasting several weeks. The jury cleared the comedian and actor of two further rape counts and one charge of attempted indecent assault. Mr Justice Bennathan remanded Brand in custody ahead of sentencing on Monday at the same court. The judge told Brand he faced a substantial custodial sentence.

Brand’s barrister, Ian Winter KC, requested bail over the weekend so his client could say goodbye to his children. The judge rejected the application because he feared Brand would flee rather than return to court. During the trial, women told jurors that Brand used his celebrity status to pursue sexual encounters and ignored their boundaries and refusals. Before the trial, Brand argued that publicity surrounding allegations published in 2023 meant he could not receive a fair trial.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that officers continue to investigate two further allegations of rape against Brand. A police spokesperson said: “The suspect has previously been interviewed under caution in connection with the allegations.” Police said they had submitted files concerning both complainants to the Crown Prosecution Service, where prosecutors are assessing whether to bring further charges. Pre-trial hearings heard that one complaint came from a woman who dated Brand when she was a schoolgirl.