British comedian Russell Brand found guilty in rape, sexual assault trial

British actor-comedian Russell Brand, 51, was convicted at Southwark Crown Court after prosecutors accused him of sexually attacking four women between 1999 and 2009. He now faces the prospect of a prison sentence.

In Short

• Russell Brand found guilty of one count of rape, three counts of sexual assault
• Allegations span 1999 to 2009 during his showbiz peak
• He denied all charges, claiming consensual encounters

British comedian and actor Russell Brand was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault by a London court on Thursday, following a trial over allegations dating back to the height of his showbiz career.

Brand, 51, was convicted at Southwark Crown Court after prosecutors accused him of sexually attacking four women between 1999 and 2009. He now faces the prospect of a prison sentence.

The jury also acquitted Brand of two other charges of rape and one count of attempted indecent assault.

BRAND DENIED ALL ALLEGATIONS

Brand denied all seven charges and told the court that the sexual encounters in question were consensual. He also argued that some of the allegations had been "reinvented" or "re-imagined". Prosecutors, however, described him as a ruthless sexual predator who used his celebrity and public profile to gain access to women.

The allegations cover a decade in Brand's career, when he was among Britain's most recognisable comedians and broadcasters. He later became known internationally through films including Get Him to the Greek and Arthur and was married to US pop star Katy Perry.

Brand's trial began at Southwark Crown Court on October 12. Jurors heard evidence from the women who made the allegations, other witnesses and Brand himself. The case involved seven alleged offences committed over a 10-year period between 1999 and 2009.

Brand was convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. He was acquitted of two counts of rape and one count of attempted indecent assault.

The verdict means Brand was not found guilty of every allegation brought against him. The jury reached separate decisions on each charge after considering the evidence presented during the trial. Brand now faces sentencing for the four offences on which he was convicted. The court will determine the punishment at a later stage.

- Ends