Russell Brand convicted of rape, judge says he’ll get prison term

LONDON (AP) — Russell Brand, the risqué comic who bragged for years of his sexual exploits, was convicted Thursday of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others on allegations dating back years.

The British actor-comedian faces a “significant” prison term when he is sentenced Monday, Judge Joel Bennathan said.

Brand had been free, but he was taken into custody after the judge rejected a bail request to let him see his kids because of the possibility he might flee.

“I regret the hardship caused to the children, of course,” the judge said.

“But the hardship has been caused by serious criminal offending by their father.”

Brand was a ruthless, calculating, manipulative “sexual predator,” prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones said at trial.

The 51-year-old father of three denied the charges and testified that he was obsessed with sex as a young man and once led a promiscuous life but had never forced anyone to do something against their will.

He was convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. He was acquitted of two rape counts and one count of attempted indecent assault.

Brand closed his eyes as the guilty verdict on the rape count was read but showed no emotion otherwise. When bail was denied, he gestured to his lawyers that he was OK and repeatedly said, “I’m good, I’m good, I’m good,” before being taken away.

The jury of eight men and four women in Southwark Crown Court deliberated more than eight hours over two days.

After the verdicts, police confirmed they have provided prosecutors with their investigation into two more rape allegations against Brand.

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy of London’s Metropolitan Police said the conviction was “a testament to the extraordinary courage, resilience and determination of the women who came forward and reported what happened to them.”

“Brand used his influence, status and fame to exploit and sexually offend against women,” he said. “As his profile grew, so too did his sense of entitlement.”

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