British comedian and actor Russell Brand was sentenced to 10-and-a-half years in prison on Monday following his conviction for the rape of one woman and the sexual assaults of three others. The offenses occurred between 2004 and 2009 during the height of his career in entertainment.
Southwark Crown Court Proceedings
Judge Joel Bennathan delivered the sentence at London's Southwark Crown Court, describing the 51-year-old as a sexual predator who exhibited staggering arrogance and believed his fame exempted him from accountability. Brand, who had maintained his innocence and denied all charges, was found guilty the previous week following a trial.
Under the terms of the sentence, Brand will serve two-thirds of his prison term in custody before being released on license, with sex offenders exempt from early release schemes. Prosecutors and law enforcement officials emphasized following the sentencing that allegations of sexual assault are pursued seriously regardless of an individual's fame or the passage of time.
