Russell Brand Found Guilty of Rape and Sexual Assault by London Jury
A London jury has convicted British comedian and actor Russell Brand of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. He will be sentenced on Monday.
A jury at Southwark Crown Court in London on Thursday found British comedian and actor Russell Brand, 51, guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. The verdict means he faces a prison sentence.
The verdict
Brand was acquitted of two other rape charges and of one count of attempted indecent assault.
Judge Joel Bennathan said Brand would be sentenced on Monday and told the court he faced a lengthy prison term.
The defendant and his defence
Brand was once among Britain's most prominent broadcasters and is the former husband of US singer Katy Perry. He is known for starring in the films Get Him to the Greek and Arthur.
He denied the charges, insisting that the encounters were consensual or that the allegations had been fabricated or reimagined.
Prosecutors described him as a "ruthless" sexual predator.
Earlier developments
Police had previously said the comedian was charged with two further sex offences, and Brand later pleaded not guilty to the new rape and sexual assault charges.
