Comedian and former Hollywood star Russell Brand has received a jail sentence of 10 years and six months on Monday. The ruling came down at London's Southwark Crown Court following his conviction on Thursday for raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others between 2004 and 2009.
The 51-year-old had denied all charges throughout the trial. As he was being taken down to the cells by dock officers, Brand was seen mouthing 'I love you' to his wife.
Judge slams predator behaviour
Judge Joel Bennathan stated during sentencing that Brand was a sexual predator who believed his celebrity status placed him above normal standards. The judge confirmed that Brand will have to serve two-thirds of the sentence in custody before being released on licence.
A statement from one victim, whom Brand raped in 2009, noted the lasting pain of the incident, explaining that the trauma remains with her every day.
Brand's lawyer Ian Winter argued in court that the actor has long since turned his life around, mentioning his past battles with drink and drugs alongside his Christian faith.
“fame meant you could act how you liked, when you liked, unhindered by the rules by which decent people live”Judge Joel Bennathan
More investigations underway
The court cleared Brand of two separate rape charges and an attempted indecent assault. Brand had insisted that all his sexual encounters were entirely consensual.
However, London's Metropolitan Police confirmed that investigations into Brand continue regarding two other alleged rapes, with one case involving a girl who was 16 at the time.
What happens next
Brand will serve two-thirds of his sentence in custody before being released on licence, while London's Metropolitan Police continues to investigate two further alleged rapes.
