Russell Brand sentenced to 10½ years in prison on rape, sexual assault convictions

British actor and comedian Russell Brand has been sentenced to 10 years and 6 months for rape and sexual assault offences. He must serve 7 years before being eligible for parole. Brand was acquitted on two other rape charges and one allegation of attempted indecent assault. The CBC's Anna Cunningham is on the story in London. So Anna, what did we hear inside the court? Well, this was the end of a four-week, really high-profile trial that saw Russell Brand convicted as a rapist and sex offender. And the judge handed down a heavy sentence. Let's just take a listen to what the judge said. The sentence I pass on count six, rape, is nine years imprisonment. So the total sentence is one of ten years, six months. The few days you have already served will count. You will serve two-thirds of that sentence, then be released on licence and will be liable to be recalled into custody if you breach its terms. On your release, you will also be indefinitely subject to the notification requirements under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. So Russell Brand sentenced to 10 and a half years. He will have to serve seven years. Four convictions, one of rape, three of sexual assaults that took place between 2004 and 2009. And this was, if you remember, at a time when Brand's fame really was growing as a comedian, a broadcaster and also a Hollywood actor. The judge concluded he was a sexual predator. He said he showed staggering arrogance. There was praise from the judge for those women who gave evidence. He said that they showed determination and bravery in the face of being accused themselves of lying and twisting the truth and even agreeing to Brand's sexual demands. Now, the judge said that that Brand... I had done all because... ...of himself and his instructions. There were these very powerful impact victim statements, is what they're called in the UK. The four women gave them. One of them did come to court. She spoke from behind a curtain, retaining her anonymity. The others, also anonymous, for life under UK law, had theirs read by a lawyer. Now, just a quick reminder of the sexual nature. Of these convictions, before we show you some of what was said, one victim said, I felt that if I reported him, I would not be believed. Now, she said she carries what happens with her daily and she no longer trusts her own instinct. I think she also... spoke of the pain after the rape and how worried she was about an HIV infection as Brand had removed the condom. She said it was his fame, wealth and influence that created a power imbalance which made her feel powerless. And one of the victims of the sexual assaults said that Russell Brand is a sexual predator. Who has no remorse and that she hopes he will not be allowed to hurt any more women. Well, he is now starting a 10 and a half year prison sentence. Now, Anna, the cameras didn't show Russell Brand in court. What do we know about his response? Look, Russell Brand, throughout the trial and the convictions and the sentencing, has shown no sign of remorse. In fact, he's portrayed himself more as a victim, not the offender, even in the way that he walked into court every day, courting the tabloid photographers outside. We know these allegations emerged back in 2023. There was a joint investigation by the Times of London, the Sunday Times and the British broadcaster Channel 4, who interviewed accusers. And he was portrayed then as this famous man who believed that he had this power and was. Untouchable. And we heard echoes of that from his father outside court today, who was asked if he had a message for the victims. And he said, who? Russell. And then he described the victims as girls who chased his son. And he also suggested the British judicial system was corrupt. Let's just take a quick listen to the Crown Prosecution Service after Brand was sentenced. Today's result shows that fame, status and a passage of time do not change the fundamental issue of consent. No matter who the abuser is or what the situation or circumstances are, we will always take allegations of rape and sexual assault seriously and work with our police partners to fully investigate and prosecute wherever we can. I hope this outcome encourages anyone who may have experienced sexual assault to come forward and report what has happened, knowing they will be listened to and supported throughout the process. There is a conversation happening now here in the UK that focuses on an imbalance of power within the entertainment industry and many people now talking about Brand's conviction really being a watershed moment. And now, Anna, we heard from police there, but also we know that there could be further charges against Brand. Yeah, police confirming that they are investigating at least two further allegations of rape. They include one of a girl who at the time was 16 years old. And what we're hearing is that they are very much encouraging victims of rape to come forward and to not be afraid. Anna, thank you for this. That is the CBC's Anna Cunningham in London.