A London jury has found Russell Brand guilty of rape and three counts of sexual assault after three days of deliberation. The verdict came in Wednesday, and Brand was acquitted on two other rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault. Judge Justice Bennathan remanded the 51-year-old in custody immediately and told him the convictions mean an inevitable significant prison term.
The case has been one of the most closely followed celebrity trials in recent years, touching on how the media handles abuse allegations against famous figures and what accountability looks like when the person in question spent years as a tabloid fixture. The mixed verdict reflects a jury that weighed each charge separately, and the judge’s sentencing remarks signal serious time ahead.
Brand will be back in court Monday for sentencing, where the judge will determine the exact term. Bookmark this page for updates as the story develops.
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.