Russell Brand sentenced to 10 and a half years in jail

CW: Sexual assault

Russell Brand has been sentenced to 10 and a half years behind bars.

The British actor and comedian was found guilty last week of raping a woman in 2009, as well as sexually assaulting female TV and radio workers between 2004 and 2009.

He was acquitted on two other counts of rape and one count of attempted indecent assault.

Brand pleaded not guilty to all charges, claiming to have only ever had consensual sex.

In his sentencing, the Judge labelled Brand a “sexual predator”.

Context

In 2023, the UK’s Sunday Times and Channel 4 alleged Brand had sexually assaulted and emotionally abused at least four women.

In April 2025, police charged Brand over allegations by four other women who came forward afterwards.

In December, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised two further charges of rape and sexual assault involving two more women.

These were added to the existing case, which went to trial on 12 October.

Trial

During opening arguments, the prosecution alleged Brand was a ruthless and calculating predator.

Riel Karmy-Jones KC told the court, “His desire, his strong desire, for some form of sexual contact was indiscriminate and voracious.”

The women involved did not know each other and did not contact the police until after the Channel 4 doco and 2023 news reports, the prosecutor said.

Brand told the court he never engaged in any non-consensual sexual activity despite being “extremely promiscuous”.

Brand’s lawyer, Ian Winter KC, argued journalists had “poisoned the well of justice” in Brand’s case.

After eight and a half hours of deliberations, a jury of eight men and four women found Brand guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault last week.

He was cleared of two counts of rape and one of attempted indecent assault.

Sentencing

After hearing victim impact statements and legal submissions from lawyers on both sides, Justice Joel Bennathan sentenced Brand to 10 years and 6 months on Monday (local time).

Justice Bennathan said: “The whole episode reeks of casual disrespect and your belief that fame meant you could act how you liked, when you liked, unhindered by the rules by which decent people live.”

He labelled Brand a “sexual predator”.

He added: “Whatever women wear, wherever they go, indeed whatever they drink, they retain the right to say no…And to demand justice from the criminal courts when sexual predators like you, Russell Brand, act without their consent.”

Following last week’s verdict, London’s Metropolitan Police revealed that Brand is currently being investigated over two additional rape allegations.

Met Police Commissioner Mark Rowley said his officers were prepared for “many, many more” possible victims to come forward.

No further charges have yet been laid.

Call: 1800 737 732

Text: 0458 737 732

Video: 1800RESPECT.org.au

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