Russell Brand sentenced to 10 1/2 years in British prison for rape and sexual assault

LONDON (AP) — Russell Brand was sentenced Monday to 10 1/2 years in prison for raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others during a period when his comedy career built around boasts of erotic exploits was taking off.

Judge Joel Bennathan told Brand that he showed a “casual and arrogant disregard” for any woman who said no to him.

“About 20 years ago, Russell Brand, you were becoming famous,” Bennathan said.

“You were clever — and in many people’s eyes, funny and charismatic. You had also become a sexual predator.”

Brand showed little emotion during the hearing and turned to mouth the words “we’ll be OK” to his wife after he stood up and was led away by court officers.

The 51-year-old actor-comedian, known for outrageous stand-up routines and behaviour on television and radio broadcasts, along with drug and alcohol battles, had maintained his innocence and said all his encounters were consensual.

But a jury of eight men and four women found him guilty of attacking four of six accusers on allegations dating back to 2004.

He was cleared of two counts of rape and one count of attempted indecent assault.

Prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones said Brand abused the influence and power that came with his fame.

“He used it to facilitate access to women without which the offending could not have taken place. It also fed his own view that he could commit such offenses with impunity,” Karmy-Jones said.

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