By Islam El-Sakka
Russell Brand has been found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault following a four-week trial at Southwark Crown Court. The 51-year-old comedian and actor was cleared of two further rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault. Mr Justice Bennathan told Brand he faces "a custodial sentence of some length" when he is sentenced on Monday.
Verdict details
The jury convicted Brand of raping a young fan after one of his shows in 2009. During the trial, victims testified that Brand used his fame to pursue sexual encounters, sometimes forcing women into sexual activity within seconds of meeting them. Brand showed no emotion as the verdicts were read, saying "yes my lord" before being led to the cells.
Police appeal for more victims
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said he would not be surprised if "many more" alleged victims come forward. He told BBC Breakfast that high-profile cases often lead to an "upsurge" in reporting because they give victims confidence. Sir Mark revealed police are currently investigating two more rape allegations against Brand and have spoken to 100 witnesses and taken 400 statements.
Background and further allegations
Brand preyed on women during his rise as a stand-up comedian, TV and radio host, and Hollywood film star. Prosecutors said he pursued a goal of sex with 5,000 women. The comedian-turned-conspiracy theorist spent his first night in custody on Thursday. It can now be reported that Brand attempted to have the charges dismissed by claiming journalists had plotted against him and perverted the course of justice, arguments the judge rejected as "unpersuasive."
Barrister confronts journalist
After the verdict, Brand's barrister Ian Winter KC confronted Sunday Times journalist Rosamund Urwin, whose investigation helped bring the case to light. Winter told her: "I hope you are pleased with yourself... Well, it wasn't. You f***** it." The Sunday Times editor Ben Taylor called the behaviour "extraordinary" and said Winter was impugning the integrity of the jury's verdict.
