Russell Brand is set to be sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Monday morning, November 9, after being found guilty of one rape and three sexual assaults. The former comedian and TV personality has been held in custody since the jury delivered its verdict on Thursday.
The judge, Mr Justice Bennathan, warned Brand on Thursday that he should expect a significant prison term. Jurors took eight-and-a-half hours of deliberations to convict Brand, who had denied all allegations throughout the trial.
Offences and Victims
Brand was found guilty of offences against four women between 2004 and 2009, including the rape of a 21-year-old fan he met after a comedy gig at the Hammersmith Apollo in 2009. He was also convicted of sexually assaulting an MTV worker at a Soho bar, a woman at the Choice FM studios, and a Channel 4 worker who had been forced to give him a massage.
Prosecutors are also considering whether to charge Brand over allegations involving two further victims - a 16-year-old schoolgirl and a woman he dated when he was 30.
Where Will Brand Be Held?
Brand's final prison destination has not yet been confirmed. After the guilty verdict, he was remanded in custody and spent time at HMP Wandsworth. Reports suggest Brand was immediately the target of jeers from other inmates, who sang a foul chant through the landings. According to a report in The Mail on Sunday, Brand arrived unprepared for life behind bars, not even bringing a change of clothes.
Sentencing Details
The judge will consider victim impact statements and lawyers' arguments before delivering the sentence at London's Southwark Crown Court. Brand is scheduled to be sentenced at 10.30am GMT on Monday, November 9.
The exact length of the sentence remains unknown. The maximum jail term for rape is life, while the maximum sentence for sexual assault is 10 years. Sentencing guidelines suggest Brand may be given anything from four to 13 years in jail for his crimes. Mr Justice Bennathan will explain his rationale behind the sentence as he delivers his judgement.
The offences came to light in September 2023, when an investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times and Channel 4 Dispatches published accusations from women who said they had been raped, sexually abused and degraded by Brand.
One of the journalists involved was The Sunday Times' Rosamund Urwin, who was the target of a furious outburst from Brand's barrister outside the courtroom, minutes after the verdict. "I hope you are pleased with yourself," Ian Winter KC said. Ms Urwin responded: "I'm pleased justice has been done." To this, Mr Winter said: "Well, it wasn't. You f***** it. Congratulations." The barrister announced on Friday that he has referred himself to the Bar Standards Board.
