Judge orders Russell Brand held in custody after rape conviction

Russell Brand was taken into custody on Thursday after a judge at Southwark Crown Court rejected his request for bail. The 51-year-old British actor and comedian was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. Judge Joel Bennathan indicated that Brand faces a substantial prison term when he is sentenced on Monday.

The jury, composed of eight men and four women, spent more than eight hours over two days deliberating on the case. The verdicts covered allegations spanning more than two decades, from 1999 to 2009. Brand was acquitted of two rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault during the same proceedings.

Prosecutors described Brand as a calculating sexual predator who used his fame to exploit women. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy of London's Metropolitan Police stated that the conviction honored the courage of the four women who reported the incidents. Furphy noted that Brand’s sense of entitlement grew as his public profile expanded.

Brand denied the charges while testifying, stating that he had never forced anyone to act against their will. He described the criminal case as having a devastating impact on his life and family. His wife, Laura, testified as a character witness, though Brand said no one with relevant evidence was willing to support his defense.

The specific incidents leading to conviction include a sexual assault at a London bar in 2004 and an act of groping and kissing at a radio station around the same time. He was also found guilty of anally raping a fan at a comedy show in 2009 and sexually assaulting a woman during an advertisement recording that year. He was cleared of charges related to a 1999 incident in Bournemouth and an event at the MTV office.

Brand was closed his eyes as the guilty verdict for the rape count was read. He appeared calm when bail was denied, telling his lawyers he was fine before being led away. The judge acknowledged the hardship the case has caused to Brand’s children, attributing that burden to the father’s criminal actions.

Brand rose to prominence in the early 2000s with television hosting roles and Hollywood films. In recent years, he has moved to Florida and built a large online audience through videos discussing wellness and his religious devotion.