Russell Brand convicted of rape and sexual assault at London trial

A jury at Southwark Crown Court in London has found actor and comedian Russell Brand guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault, BBC News Entertainment, AV Club, and Deadline reported. Outlets differed on the exact length of the trial, with BBC News Entertainment reporting it lasted four weeks and AV Club reporting three weeks. BBC News Entertainment and Deadline reported that the jury deliberated for two days, total hours given as eight and a half by BBC News Entertainment. [1][2][3][5][7][8][11][12]

BBC News Entertainment and AV Club both reported that the jury acquitted Brand of two other counts of rape and one count of attempted indecent assault. Judge Joel Bennathan denied Brand bail, and the actor was taken into custody immediately following the verdict, according to BBC News Entertainment, AV Club, and The Hollywood Reporter. [1][2][7]

Deadline reported that defense lawyer Ian Winter KC confronted Sunday Times journalist Rosamund Urwin outside the court building following the verdict, stating, "I hope you’re pleased with yourself." AV Club noted that four women originally brought allegations against Brand in a joint investigation published by The Times, The Sunday Times, and Channel 4. [2][4]

English media personality Russell Brand was born on June 4, 1975, in Grays, Essex. As FTMQ Film & TV reported earlier, the prosecution at Southwark Crown Court originally opened the trial on seven charges relating to six women, alleging that three of the complainants worked in the British television and radio industry. [13][14][15]

BBC News Entertainment and AV Club reported that Brand is scheduled for sentencing on Monday, November 9, with the judge stating that he will receive a substantial prison sentence. BBC News Entertainment also reported that Brand faces further rape allegations brought by two additional women. [1][2][6]