Russell Brand sentenced to 10 years and six months after being found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault

Russell Brand has been sentenced to 10 years and six months at London's Southwark Crown Court today (9 Nov) after being found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.

The judge explained that he'd consider Brand's lack of previous convictions, the fact it's been 17 years since his last offence, and the time he's spend 'doing good, especially in assisting with those wrestling with addictions' as mitigating circumstances to have his sentence reduced by a year.

Mr Justice Bennathan added, however, that 'good character' and 'exemplary conduct' should not normally be given 'any significant weight' and would not normally 'justify a reduction' in a prison sentence.

"Nevertheless, in my view, it would be wrong to disregard your mitigation altogether," he continued. "So I will reduce the sentence I would otherwise have imposed for the rape by a year."

Prosecutors previously ruled that the 51-year-old used his celebrity status to pursue women as a 'calculated sexual predator'.

Russell Brand has been sentenced for his crimes (Anadolu/Getty Images)

After Brand was asked to stand in court, his wife, Laura, mouthed the words 'I love you, I'll be OK', as per Sky News.

The British comedian faced seven charges stemming from accusations by six women between 2004 and 2009, with Brand denying the allegations vehemently throughout the four-week-long trial.

After eight hours of deliberations, Brand was found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman during at a Soho bar in 2004.

Jurors also found the actor guilty of sexually assaulting a woman at Choice FM studios in London in either 2004 or 2005, of raping a woman after meeting her at a 2009 stand-up show at the Hammersmith Apollo, and sexually assaulting a woman working on a project at Channel 4 in 2009.

He was cleared by the jury of two counts of rape and one charge of attempted indecent assault.

Russell Brand's verdicts in full

Guilty verdicts

• Count 3: Sexual assault
• Count 5: Sexual assault
• Count 6: Rape
• Count 7: Sexual assault

Not guilty verdicts

• Count 1: Rape
• Count 2: Attempted indecent assault
• Count 4: Rape

Mr Justice Bennathan ordered Brand to start his prison sentence immediately after being found guilty last Thursday afternoon.

After the trial ended, police confirmed that Brand is being investigated for other allegations of rape made by two women.

A Met spokesperson told Tyla: "The Met's investigation into allegations of rape made by two women remains ongoing.

"The suspect has previously been interviewed under caution in connection with the allegations.

"Files have been submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service in relation to both complainants. Detectives remain in close contact with prosecutors as enquiries continue and further investigative work is carried out.

"Anyone who wishes to speak to detectives or make a report can contact the investigation team by email at [email protected]. Reports can also be made by calling 101 from within the UK and quoting reference 2321/04NOV26."

Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said his officers are braced for ‘many, many more’ possible victims of Brand to come forward, while the UK’s Prime Minister Andy Burnham called the crimes ‘horrific’.

His wife Laura Gallacher was in the courtroom when the guilty verdict was announced last week (Anadolu/Getty Images)

While Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, from the Metropolitan Police Service, previously said in a statement: "Today's verdict is first and foremost a testament to the extraordinary courage, resilience and determination of the women who came forward and reported what happened to them. Despite intense media and public scrutiny, they relived deeply personal and traumatic experiences and placed their trust in us. Without their bravery, this outcome would not have been possible.

"Brand used his influence, status, and fame to exploit and sexually offend against women. As his profile grew, so too did his sense of entitlement. I hope this conviction sends a clear message that no one is above the law, no matter how famous or powerful they may be."

He added: "I want to pay tribute to the team of detectives and specialist staff who worked tirelessly on this investigation. Their professionalism, determination and compassion for the victims represent the very best of the Metropolitan Police.

"Finally, I would urge anyone who may have been a victim of rape or serious sexual assault to speak to us. You will be listened to, supported and treated with dignity and respect."

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact the Rape Crisis England and Wales helpline on 0808 500 222, available 24/7. If you are currently in danger or need urgent medical attention, you should call 999.

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact The Survivors Trust for free on 08088 010 818, available 10am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-3pm and 6pm-8pm Monday to Thursday, 10am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3pm on Fridays, 10am-12.30pm on Saturdays and 6pm-8pm on Sundays.