A London jury has convicted British comedian and actor Russell Brand of rape and sexual assault, and he faces a prison sentence. On Thursday, Southwark Crown Court found the 51-year-old guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.
The jury cleared him of two other rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault.
Brand’s denial and the prosecution’s case
Brand, a former prominent broadcaster and ex-husband of US singer Katy Perry, had denied the charges. He argued the encounters were consensual, or that the allegations were invented or reshaped.
Prosecutors described Brand, known for films including Get Him to the Greek and Arthur, as a “ruthless” sexual predator.
Sentencing set for next week
Judge Joel Bennathan said Brand will be sentenced on Monday and faces a lengthy prison term.
