A crucial verdict has been delivered by London's Southwark Crown Court regarding 51-year-old British comedian and broadcaster Russell Brand, who has drawn global attention. Following a trial that lasted between three and four weeks, a jury deliberated for eight and a half hours before finding him guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.
Following the verdict, Mr Justice Bennathan stated that Brand will face a substantial prison sentence. Bail was also refused, with the judge noting that given his wealth, there was a risk he might flee the country.
Key Points
- Found guilty over offences committed against four women between 2004 and 2009
- Verdict delivered by a jury comprising eight men and four women
- Judge remanded him in custody after refusing bail
Proven charges and acquittals
Brand was convicted on four charges: raping a 21-year-old fan he met after a show at the Hammersmith Apollo in 2009, squeezing a woman's breast at a bar in Soho in 2004, assaulting a radio worker between 2004 and 2005, and sexually assaulting another woman during a project in 2009.
However, he was acquitted on two other counts of rape and one count of attempting to commit a serious sexual assault, including an incident alleged to have taken place at a hotel in Bournemouth in 1999 and another allegation dating back to 2001. Brand told the court that while he used his fame to pursue sexual encounters, he never did so without a woman's consent.
Further investigations underway
Meanwhile, it is reported that the Metropolitan Police are investigating two more rape allegations made against him. One of these complaints was lodged by a 16-year-old schoolgirl with whom he had a relationship when he was 30 years old.
What happens next?
He is scheduled to be sentenced on Monday, 9 November 2026.
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