Russell Brand jailed for 10 years, six months over rape, sexual assault

Russell Brand has been sentenced to more than 10 years in prison at Southwark Crown Court, with the judge praising the “determination and bravery” of the women who testified against him.

Comedian Russell Brand has been sentenced to more than 10 years in prison at Southwark Crown Court in London, Sky News reports.

Before passing sentence, Mr Justice Bennathan paid tribute to the “determination and bravery” of the women who testified. He told Brand: “I do not increase your punishment because of it, but all those women had to face being confronted and being told they had lied or twisted the truth and/or they had agreed to your sexual demands.

“That was all done because of you, on your instructions.”

The judge also commended the Metropolitan Police for their “hard work” in gathering evidence and taking “great care” of the complainants. He said women “retain the right to say no and demand justice in the criminal courts” from predators like Brand, whatever they wear, “wherever they go, whatever they drink”.

Brand showed no visible emotion as the sentence was read. As guards led him from the dock, he told his wife, Laura, “we’ll be OK”. She mouthed back: “I love you, I’ll be OK.”