Comedian and actor Russell Brand has been found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault following a high-profile trial at London’s Southwark Crown Court.
The jury of eight men and four women reached their verdicts on Thursday afternoon, clearing the 51-year-old of two other counts of rape and one count of attempted indecent assault. The convictions relate to incidents dating back over two decades, involving four separate women.
Following the delivery of the verdicts, the key question facing the former Hollywood star and online commentator is whether—and for how long—he will be going to prison.
Will Russell Brand Go to Prison?
Yes, almost certainly. Following the guilty verdicts, presiding judge Mr Justice Bennathan indicated that Brand will receive a custodial sentence when he is formally sentenced on Monday.
Brand was taken into police custody immediately after the verdicts were read out, meaning he will remain in custody on remand over the weekend leading up to his sentencing hearing.
Under English law, convictions for rape carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Given the severity of the charges—combining one count of rape with three counts of sexual assault—legal experts expect Brand to serve a significant sentence spanning multiple years in prison.
The Trial Verdicts
Brand had pleaded not guilty to all seven charges brought against him, consistently maintaining throughout the trial that all of his sexual encounters were entirely consensual. During his testimony on the stand, he acknowledged a past lifestyle dominated by promiscuity, stating, “consent is absolutely non-negotiable,” but insisted he had never committed non-consensual acts.
The prosecution painted a starkly different picture, describing Brand as a “sexual predator” who exploited his power and status to manipulate and assault women.
The jury returned the following decisions:
Count 1 (Rape): Not guilty
Count 2A (Attempted Indecent Assault): Not guilty
Count 3 (Sexual Assault): Guilty
Count 4 (Rape): Not guilty
Count 5 (Sexual Assault): Guilty
Count 6 (Rape): Guilty
Count 7 (Sexual Assault): Guilty
What Happens Next?
Brand will remain in custody until Monday, when Mr Justice Bennathan will hear sentencing remarks from both the prosecution and defence before determining the exact length of Brand’s prison term. In addition to a prison sentence, a conviction for rape means Brand will automatically be placed on the Sex Offenders Register.