Russell Brand has been found guilty of rape and sexual assault following a trial at Southwark Crown Court in London. The verdict has brought renewed attention to a resurfaced clip of Bob Geldof's foul-mouthed putdown of the comedian at the 2006 NME Awards.
Footage of the confrontation, which was featured in a Channel 4 documentary, shows Brand presenting the awards and greeting Geldof with a handshake as the Irish rock star joined him on stage. Upon taking to the podium, Geldof declared into the microphone: "Russell Brand, what a c***." The comment was met with cheers and laughter.
Guilty verdicts and court proceedings
On Thursday, a 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.
Southwark Crown Court heard how Brand, who once boasted he would not relent in his pursuit of sex before getting his "birthright orgasm", ignored pleas from women for him to stop. His victims came to court to reveal how Brand had forced them into sexual activity, sometimes within seconds of them first meeting, using his fame to determinedly pursue a goal of sex with 5,000 women.
Six women gave evidence against Brand, while the former comedian, who was once married to Katy Perry, could not persuade any of his celebrity friends or former showbiz colleagues to give evidence in his defence.
Sentencing and ongoing investigations
Before entering the dock to hear the verdicts, Brand said "I love you" to his wife Laura Gallacher, the daughter of Ryder Cup-winning golfer Bernard Gallacher. Ms Gallacher was seen to hunch over in the public gallery when Brand was told he now faces an inevitable prison term.
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 instead of returning to court.
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 also confirmed that investigations are ongoing into two allegations of rape made against Brand. 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. 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."
