Russell Brand Convicted of Rape and Sexual Assaults in London Court

Russell Brand has been found guilty of rape and three counts of sexual assault following a four-week trial at Southwark Crown Court. The 51-year-old former actor and comedian faced seven charges brought by six women.

The jury convicted him of raping a 21-year-old fan after meeting her at a 2009 stand-up show at the Hammersmith Apollo. He was also found guilty of sexually assaulting a Channel 4 worker in 2009, kissing and groping a Capital Radio worker in a corridor in 2005, and groping an MTV worker at a Soho bar in 2004.

“My opinion is that he is a sexual predator and he has abused his power throughout his career, and he's been emboldened the more and more famous that he's become.”

Brand was acquitted of two counts of rape and one count of attempted indecent assault. The jury cleared him of raping an MTV worker in a toilet in 2004.

Judge Joel Bennathan said Brand would be remanded into custody and faces a significant custodial term. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for Monday.

Lead prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones described Brand as someone who treated women as a means to an end. She said his evidence showed a flavour of disdain towards the complainants.

Brand denied all charges, saying the incidents were either consensual, reinvented or re-imagined. He acknowledged dedicating much of his life to reckless philandering and idiocy but said sexual consent was fundamental.

Police said Brand remains under investigation for two other alleged rapes. He was refused bail and taken down to the cells after the verdict.