Russell Brand has begun a prison sentence of 10 years and six months after being convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. The sentence was handed down by Mr Justice Bennathan at Southwark Crown Court, following the guilty verdict on the offences last week.
The judge described Brand as a "sexual predator", stating: "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."
Courtroom scenes and acquittals
Brand showed little emotion as the sentence was delivered, remaining expressionless throughout. As he was escorted from the courtroom, he briefly paused to mouth "I love you" to his wife, Laura Gallacher. Laura kept her eyes fixed on the floor as the judge delivered his sentencing remarks, occasionally stealing a glance at her husband in the dock, reports the Daily Star.
As Brand was brought into the dock ahead of sentencing, his wife was observed mouthing "oh god" before saying "I love you" as he turned towards her. During last Thursday's court proceedings, Brand was also acquitted of two counts of rape and one count of attempted indecent assault.
Sentence structure and legal consequences
The actor is expected to serve seven years of his 10 years and six month sentence, with the remaining three years and six months to be served on licence.
However, Jessica Wilson, Managing Director of Eventum Legal, stressed that life as the convicted rapist knew it was now over, regardless of his eventual release from custody. She explained: "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.
"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 and psychological impact
She further cautioned that the verdict could deal a devastating blow to his financial situation, noting: "His financial position is likely to dramatically change, particularly where civil claims may arise from the offending."
Ms Wilson also warned that this court appearance may not be Brand's last, as further allegations remain under investigation. She said: "This may not be the end of legal proceedings for Brand in the criminal courts, with additional complaints and files referred to the CPS, he could be facing further proceedings, it will be interesting to see how any additional complaints are handled by the CPS in light of the media attention on the recent trial."
Ms Wilson suggested the comedian would probably find his period behind bars challenging. She explained: "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."
Appeal options
While she indicated Brand would likely maintain his innocence despite the guilty verdict, a challenge against the duration of his sentence might prove unsuccessful. Ms Wilson explained: "Russell Brand has two possible routes should he wish to challenge the conviction and or sentence. He could appeal against conviction arguing legal errors, unfair rulings or other serious trial issues which made his convictions unsafe.
"He could appeal against sentence, arguing that the 10 years and 6 months is excessive or that the judge erred when calculating sentence.
"In my view the sentence falls within the guidelines and although substantial it is not necessarily manifestly excessive, the test required for appealing. To establish grounds in relation to any legal errors within the trial the advising legal team would require the transcripts of the trial to consider and advise.
"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."
