British comedian, actor, broadcaster and author Russell Brand has been convicted on Thursday of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault involving four women.
The offences for which Brand, 51, was convicted took place between 2004 and 2009. A jury at Southwark Crown Court returned unanimous guilty verdicts after a four-week trial. Brand is due to be sentenced at the same court on November 9.
“Brand used his influence, status and fame to exploit and sexually offend against women,” Superintendent Andy Furphy of the Metropolitan Police said in a statement.
“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,” he added.
According to prosecutors, the 51 years old comedian carried out the rapes and assaults at different locations, including a radio station, the set of a DVD recording and his home.
back in April last year, the Crown Prosecution Service initially authorised five charges, which were two counts of rape, one count of indecent assault and two counts of sexual assault, before adding two more in December, bringing the total to seven.
The CPS said the rape and assuits involved four women and reported incidents between 1999 and 2005.
Sweeping investigation started when the allegations became public in September 2023 through Channel 4’s Dispatches and reporting by The Times and The Sunday Times.
In that context, with no CCTV or forensic evidence available and digital enquiries limited by the passage of time, investigators relied on witness accounts, historical records and detailed timelines.
Detectives chased and spoke to more than 100 witnesses and took more than 400 witness statements, with over 1,400 documents reviewed.
Mr Justice Joel Bennathan, the trial judge, remanded Brand into custody after the verdicts. He said the convictions made a significant prison term inevitable.
speaking, he said:
“You’ve been convicted of a number of offences including rape. The consequence of that is inevitably a significant custodial term. My current view is that I therefore have to remand you into custody.”
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy said the verdict was above all a tribute to the bravery, resilience and determination of the women who had come forward to report what happened to them.
“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,” he added
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