Prosecutors told Southwark Crown Court on Monday that comedian Russell Brand used his fame and influence to rape and sexually assault four women. Brand, once one of Britain’s best-known broadcasters and a figure in Hollywood, now faces a lengthy prison sentence. He is the former husband of US pop singer Katy Perry and has in recent years stepped away from mainstream media.
The 51-year-old was convicted on Thursday of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others between 2004 and 2009. At the hearing he wore a grey suit and an open-necked white shirt, and he made the sign of the cross towards his wife in the public gallery. Prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones then set out the impact of the offences.
Victims describe lasting trauma and shame
One woman told the court that Brand sexually assaulted her in 2004 and then orally raped her, leaving her traumatised. Brand was convicted of the sexual assault against her but acquitted of rape. Speaking from behind a screen, she said the feeling of shame and self-blame had stayed with her for more than two decades.
Also read: Russell Brand convicted of rape and sexual assault in London
Another woman, whom Brand anally raped in 2009, described the attack in a statement that prosecutors read to the court. She said the trauma was something she carried every day, and that it often felt endless. She also said she did not think she would be believed if she reported him, adding that his fame, wealth and influence had left her feeling powerless.
Karmy-Jones told the court that Brand had abused the influence that came with his celebrity. She said he had used that influence to gain access to women, and that without it the offending could not have happened. In her account, his status also reinforced his belief that he could commit such offences without consequence.
Defence points to change and police inquiries continue
Brand’s lawyer, Ian Winter, said his client was a fundamentally different person and had been for a very long time. Brand has spoken publicly at length about recovering from drink and drug addiction and about his newly found Christian faith. Judge Joel Bennathan was due to pass sentence from 2 pm (1400 GMT) on Monday.
Karmy-Jones told the court that the maximum penalty for rape is life imprisonment. Prosecutors said Brand used and abused women to satisfy his own desires. Brand, who has appeared in films including “Forgetting Sarah Marshall”, “Get Him to the Greek” and “Arthur”, had denied all the charges and denied ever having non-consensual sex.
London’s Metropolitan Police said Brand is under investigation over two other alleged rapes, one involving a girl who was 16 at the time. The head of the force said he “wouldn’t be surprised if many more came forward”. In evidence, Brand acknowledged a lifetime of what he called “reckless philandering and idiocy”, but maintained that sexual consent was fundamental.
The jury at the four-week trial found Brand guilty of one count of rape and three sexual assaults. He was acquitted of two other rape charges and one charge of attempted indecent assault.
