Russell Brand Found Guilty of Rape and Three Sexual Assaults, Sentencing Set for Monday

Russell Brand was convicted Thursday of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault after a four-week trial at Southwark Crown Court in London. The jury acquitted him of two separate rape charges and one attempted indecent assault charge, but Justice Joel Bennathan denied bail, and Brand is being held until Monday’s sentencing. The judge told him the prison sentence would be“significant,”and a UK legal expert told Page Six that could mean nearly ten years behind bars.

The weeks leading up to the verdict drew their own attention. On an October episode of the couple’s podcast, Brand and his wife Laura discussed their fears about what a prison sentence would mean. During the trial, Laura testified that he is a“caring, kind and a wonderful father”and was emotional in the courtroom as the verdict was read Thursday.

Meanwhile, the Met Police are investigating additional rape allegations against Brand from two women, which means the legal story could extend beyond Monday. Sentencing is set for Monday, and we’ll keep you updated on this developing story. What do you think the sentence should reflect? Sound off in the comments.