Russell Brand jailed for 10 years over rape and sexual assaults

British comedian and former television presenter Russell Brand has been sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison after being convicted of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others.

The 51-year-old was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Monday. Judge Mr Justice Bennathan said Brand would serve at least two-thirds of his sentence.

Brand was found guilty of raping a woman in 2009 and sexually assaulting three women, including female television and radio workers, between 2004 and 2009.

During the sentencing hearing, the victims described Brand as a sexual predator who showed no remorse for his actions.

One woman, whom Brand was convicted of groping at a Soho bar in 2004, told the court that he had been celebrated for his treatment of women during his career.

The judge criticised Brand’s conduct, describing his behaviour as showing “staggering arrogance”. Referring to an assault on a Channel 4 worker in 2009, he said Brand had acted as he pleased, seemingly unhindered by the rules followed by others.

The court also heard details of a 2005 assault on a radio worker at her workplace. The judge said the incident involved the added humiliation of the assault taking place in front of an audience, followed by laughter.

Brand’s wife, Laura, attended the sentencing hearing. His defence barrister told the court that she was standing by her husband following his conviction.

Following the convictions, London’s Metropolitan Police said further allegations against the former television and radio presenter were also under investigation.