A London jury convicted Russell Brand of rape and sexual assault
A London jury on Thursday convicted comedian and actor Russell Brand, 51, of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault involving four women. Brand, who denied the charges, was taken into custody. Judge Joel Bennathan said Brand faces a “significant” prison term when sentenced Monday. He was acquitted of two rape counts and one count of attempted indecent assault.
More context
A London jury on Thursday found 51-year-old comedian and actor Russell Brand guilty on one rape count and three sexual-assault counts involving four women, in a case concerning allegations dating back more than 20 years. The jury acquitted him of two rape counts and one count of attempted indecent assault.
Judge Joel Bennathan said Brand faces a “significant” prison term when he is sentenced Monday. Brand, who had been free on bail, was taken into custody.
Lead prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones described Brand as a “ruthless, calculating, manipulative” sexual predator. Brand denied the charges and testified that he had been obsessed with sex and promiscuous as a young man, but had never forced anyone to do anything against their will.
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Reporting
- Associated Press — London jury convicts Russell Brand of rape and sexual assault | AP News
- Los Angeles Times — Russell Brand verdict: British actor convicted of rape, sexual assault - Los Angeles Times
- PBS News (with Associated Press) — Russell Brand convicted of rape and sexual assault | PBS News
- NBC News — Russell Brand found guilty of rape and sex assault
- The New York Times — The Verdict in Russell Brand’s Rape and Sexual Assault Trial: What to Know - The New York Times
- National Public Radio — Russell Brand is convicted of rape. The judge says he'll get a prison term : NPR
- CBC News — Russell Brand convicted of rape and sexual assault | CBC News
- Courthouse News Service — Russell Brand convicted of rape, sexual assault in UK | Courthouse News Service
Verifier’s note
AP News, the Los Angeles Times, Courthouse News Service, NBC News, The New York Times, PBS News, CBC News, and NPR all report that Russell Brand was convicted of rape and sexual assault. The AP News report says he was convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault, and the other reports are consistent with that verdict.