Russell Brand sentencing judge calls him a sexual predator
Judge Joel Bennathan sentenced Russell Brand to 10 years and six months after convictions for rape and sexual assault.
By Sal Moretti · Money Reporter
2 min read
At the Russell Brand sentencing in London, Judge Joel Bennathan called the comedian and actor a “sexual predator” as he imposed a prison term of 10 years and six months, Reuters reported.
Brand, 51, was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court after a jury convicted him of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault involving four women. The offences took place between 2004 and 2009, according to Reuters.
Brand had denied the charges and said he had never had non-consensual sex. The jury’s verdict followed a four-week trial.
What did Judge Joel Bennathan say at Russell Brand’s sentencing?
Bennathan said Brand had believed “fame meant you could act how you liked, when you liked, unhindered by the rules by which decent people live,” Reuters reported.
The judge also told Brand that women retain the right to say no, whatever they wear, where they go or what they drink, and to seek justice when someone acts without their consent. CBS News reported that Bennathan described Brand’s “casual, arrogant disregard of any woman’s right to say no.”
The phrase “sexual predator” therefore came from the sentencing judge, rather than from a news headline or a victim statement.
What was Russell Brand convicted and acquitted of?
The convictions were for one rape count and three sexual-assault counts. Brand was acquitted of two other rape counts and one count of attempted indecent assault, Reuters and CBS News reported.
Those acquittals concern separate counts and do not alter the convictions for which Bennathan sentenced him.
Reuters reported that Brand is expected to serve two-thirds of the sentence in custody before release on licence. The Metropolitan Police also said he remains under investigation over two other alleged rapes. Those are allegations under investigation, not convictions.
Outside the court, Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy praised the women who reported the offences, saying they had shown “immense bravery, dignity and resilience,” Reuters reported.
Brand became known in Britain as a TV presenter and comedian before appearing in films including Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Get Him to the Greek and Arthur, Reuters reported.
This story draws on original reporting from CBS News.