Russell Brand has been found guilty of rape and sexual assault following a trial at Southwark Crown Court in London, according to VG. The jury reached its verdict on all counts on Thursday after deliberating for two days. The 51-year-old media personality was convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.
He was acquitted on the two remaining rape charges and on a separate count of attempted indecent assault. In total, Brand had faced seven charges involving six women: three rapes, three sexual assaults and one attempted sexual assault.
Why it matters
The verdict closes a three-week trial that centred on allegations spanning roughly two decades of Brand's career, a period in which he moved from relative obscurity to international fame. Judge Joel Bennathan told the defendant that a prison term was the inevitable outcome, and ordered him held in custody until sentencing. The case also continues beyond the courtroom: within hours of the verdict, the BBC reported that Brand is under investigation over further rape allegations.
What the jury decided
Judge Bennathan summarised the evidence presented over the past three weeks on Tuesday and then asked the jury to reach a unanimous decision. The panel returned its conclusions on every charge after two days of discussion.
The judge then ruled that Brand should be remanded in custody while he awaits sentencing. Addressing the defendant, he said Brand had been convicted of several offences, including rape, and that the consequence would unavoidably be a substantial prison sentence. He added that his preliminary assessment was that detention was necessary in the meantime.
In serious criminal cases in England and Wales, a jury of twelve normally decides guilt, while the judge sets the punishment once a conviction is returned.
The allegations heard in court
During the trial, the women described encounters they said took place without their consent, VG reports.
One woman told the court that Brand pulled her into a toilet at a London bar in 2004, locked the door and raped her. Another woman, who worked at MTV, said the comedian tried to drag her into a men's restroom at her workplace in 2001; she said she resisted and managed to break away.
Brand's wife, Laura Gallacher, 39, attended much of the proceedings. Last Thursday she gave evidence, describing her husband as caring, kind and a wonderful father to their children. She said she felt seen by him and loved him very much, according to the BBC. The couple met at a festival in 2006, began a relationship shortly afterwards and married in 2017.
Fresh investigation disclosed
Soon after the jury delivered its verdict, the BBC reported that Brand is also being investigated over additional rape allegations. The broadcaster said police are examining claims from two more women. In a statement, police said the suspect had previously been interviewed under caution in connection with those allegations, and that both women's cases have been referred to British prosecutors.
Brand rose to prominence as an actor and presenter, including the role of rock star Aldous Snow in the comedy "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," and appeared in "Get Him to the Greek" and "Arthur." During the period covered by the allegations, he went from a relatively unknown performer to what he has himself described as dizzying fame, a shift that followed his relationship with pop star Katy Perry, Deadline has reported.
What to watch
Sentencing has not yet been scheduled. Brand remains in custody, and prosecutors will now weigh the two additional cases referred to them by police.
