Russell Brand has been found guilty of rape and sexual assault following a trial at Southwark Crown Court. The verdict marks the culmination of a case that saw six women give evidence against the former comedian.
The jury found Brand guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. He was cleared of two further charges of rape and one allegation of attempted indecent assault.
Court hears evidence from six women
During the trial, the court heard how Brand ignored pleas from women for him to stop. Brand, who once boasted he would not relent in his pursuit of sex before getting his "birthright orgasm", forced victims into sexual activity, sometimes within seconds of them first meeting, using his fame to pursue a goal of sex with 5,000 women.
None of Brand's celebrity friends or former showbiz colleagues gave evidence in his defence. His barrister, Ian Winter KC, made a plea for Brand to be given bail over the weekend as an "act of humanity" so that he could say goodbye to his children, but the judge refused over fears that he would flee.
Sentencing scheduled for next week
Brand now faces the prospect of a lengthy prison term when he is sentenced on Monday next week, just over three years after first being exposed as a rapist and sexual predator. The Metropolitan Police has confirmed investigations are ongoing into two allegations of rape made against Brand.
At pre-trial court hearings, it was revealed that one of the complaints came from a woman who dated Brand when he was 30 and she was a 16-year-old schoolgirl. More women came forward to police after Brand was first accused, and prosecutors are assessing whether to bring further charges.
Police praise victims' bravery
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who led the Metropolitan Police investigation, paid tribute to the "extraordinary courage, resilience and determination" of the women who spoke out against Brand. He said: "Despite intense media and public scrutiny, they relived deeply personal and traumatic experiences and placed their trust in us. Without their bravery, this outcome would not have been possible."
Furphy added: "Brand used his influence, status and fame to prey on and exploit women. As his profile grew, so too did his sense of entitlement. I hope this conviction sends a clear message that no one is above the law, no matter how famous or powerful they may be."
