Russell Brand has begun a 10-year and six-month prison sentence after being convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. The sentence was handed down today at Southwark Crown Court by Mr Justice Bennathan, following the guilty verdicts last week.
Judge's remarks and reaction
During sentencing, Mr Justice Bennathan described Brand as a "sexual predator," adding: "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."
Brand remained silent and barely reacted as the sentence was read. He briefly paused as he was led from the court to mouth "I love you" to his wife, Laura Gallacher, who kept her eyes on the floor throughout the judge's remarks.
Sentence details and legal consequences
Brand is expected to serve seven years in custody, with the remaining three years and six months on licence. Jessica Wilson, Managing Director of Eventum Legal, said the convicted rapist's life as he knew it was now over, even after release.
"Russell Brand is facing a substantial amount of time in custody, I think his life has changed permanently, and even when he eventually leaves prison, he is unlikely to ever return to the life he had before," she explained.
She added: "At 51 years old with a sentence of 10 years and 6 months for rape and sexual assault, he faces consequences that could affect the next 20 to 30 years of his life, including a lifetime requirement to be subject to the Sex Offenders Register."
Financial impact and possible further proceedings
Wilson warned his finances could be severely impacted, saying "his financial position is likely to dramatically change, particularly where civil claims may arise from the offending." She also suggested this may not be Brand's only court appearance, noting that "additional complaints and files referred to the CPS" could lead to further proceedings.
Regarding his time in prison, Wilson said: "How Brand will cope in prison given the life he has lived before custody is a real concern, he is going to lose all of the privileges and freedom he is so used to, he will be confined to a strict routine with other inmates, and this may have a huge impact on him psychologically."
Possible appeal routes
Wilson outlined two possible routes for Brand to challenge the conviction or sentence: appealing against conviction on grounds of legal errors or unfair rulings, or appealing against sentence as excessive. She said the sentence "falls within the guidelines and although substantial it is not necessarily manifestly excessive."
"Whilst my view is that Brand will continue to maintain his innocence, if he is not successful at appealing his conviction and or sentence, he will have no option but to serve his sentence; 7 years in custody with the remaining 3 years 6 months on licence," she concluded.
