Law & Justice

Russell Brand Found Guilty of Rape and Sexual Assault After 10‑Day Trial

By Today News Hours Editorial Desk

The 51‑year‑old comedian and former television personality was found guilty of one charge of rape and three charges of sexual assault after a three‑week trial at Southwark Crown Court. He was acquitted of two counts of rape and one count of attempted indecent assault. The allegations, involving six female complainants, cover a period from 1999 to 2009. During the proceedings Brand sat largely still in the dock, rarely showing emotion. He addressed journalists outside the courthouse, expressing hope for a fair outcome, and later testified in the witness box on day ten, denying all allegations. His wife, Laura, testified in his defence and was seen supporting him throughout the trial. The judge warned that a custodial sentence would follow the verdicts, which were read after eight hours and 30 minutes of deliberation. Brand was led away after the verdicts, having been convicted of rape and sexual assault. The case has been covered in a BBC podcast titled "Russell Brand on Trial."