Russell Brand jailed for over 10 years for rape, sexual assault

British comedian and actor Russell Brand was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison on Monday after being convicted of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others between 2004 and 2009.

The 51-year-old was sentenced at London’s Southwark Crown Court, where Judge Joel Bennathan said he would serve two-thirds of the term in custody before being released on licence.

Brand was convicted on Thursday following a trial in which he denied all the charges. He was also acquitted of two other rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault.

During sentencing, the judge criticised Brand for allegedly believing that his celebrity status placed him above the rules followed by others.

One of the women he was convicted of assaulting said the effects of the attack continued to affect her every day. Her statement, read out by prosecutors, described the trauma as something that often felt never-ending.

Brand, who was married to US singer Katy Perry and starred in films including Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Get Him to the Greek and Arthur, has in recent years moved away from mainstream entertainment.

His lawyer, Ian Winter, told the court that Brand had changed significantly and was now a different person. The comedian has spoken publicly about overcoming alcohol and drug addiction and embracing Christianity.

Before being taken to the cells, Brand mouthed a message of love to his wife.

The Metropolitan Police is also investigating two other allegations of rape against him, one involving a girl who was 16 at the time. The head of the force has said further complainants could come forward.