Russell Brand is facing a lengthy prison sentence after being convicted of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others.
The 51-year-old comedian and actor closed his eyes as jurors found him guilty of raping a 21-year-old fan he met after one of his performances at the Hammersmith Apollo in 2009.
After deliberating for eight and a half hours, the jury convicted Brand of groping an MTV employee during a party at a Soho bar in 2004. However, he was acquitted of orally raping her in a toilet.
The jury also found Brand, who has described himself as a born-again Christian, guilty of sexually assaulting a Capital Radio employee after encountering her in a corridor in 2005.
At Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, he was additionally convicted of sexually assaulting a Channel 4 employee during a forced massage in 2009.
Brand was cleared of two counts of rape and one charge of attempted indecent assault.
His wife, Laura Gallacher, who had supported him throughout the trial, was seen crying and holding hands with an aide in the public gallery.
Before the jury announced its verdicts, Brand looked towards his wife and said: ‘Laura, I love you.’ He was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on Monday at Southwark Crown Court.
It can now be revealed that Brand has also been accused of raping two other women, including a 16-year-old schoolgirl, and could face further criminal charges.
Russell Brand, 51, pictured outside Southwark Crown Court today with his wife Laura, is facing prison after being convicted of raping a fan and sexually assaulting three women
His wife cried shortly before his conviction, and he told her he loved her as he entered the dock
A tearful Laura Gallacher leaves court without her husband, who was remanded in custody
Brand preyed on women he met while building a career as one of Britain’s best-known stand-up comedians, a prominent television and radio presenter, and a Hollywood film star.
His victims told the court that Brand had coerced them into sexual activity, in some cases within seconds of meeting them. They said he used his considerable fame while pursuing his stated ambition of having sex with 5,000 women.
The 51-year-old was acquitted of two rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault after the month-long trial at Southwark Crown Court.
Brand denied all the allegations. Following the verdicts, the judge warned that he faces a prison sentence.
Mr Justice Bennathan said: ‘You’ve been convicted of a number of offences including rape.
‘The consequence of that is inevitably a significant custodial term. My current view is that I therefore have to remand you into custody.’
Laura Gallacher appeared to hunch forward when the judge said Brand would receive a custodial sentence.
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She bowed her head when the first guilty verdict was read out.
For the remainder of the hearing, she appeared to grip her chair while facing towards the judge.
Following his conviction, it can now be revealed that the Crown Prosecution Service is seeking to bring charges connected to allegations involving a 16-year-old girl whom Brand is accused of grooming and sexually assaulting when he was 30.
Known by the pseudonym ‘Alice’ in the Channel 4 Dispatches programme that first exposed allegations against Brand in 2023, she claimed that a BBC car drove her from school to the star’s home, where she was later abused.
During their three-month relationship, Brand called her ‘my little dolly’. She said she had to punch him to stop an alleged oral rape.
Legal arguments, which were not heard by the jury, revealed that the star faces ‘outstanding charges’ connected to the allegations.
The Mail can also reveal that at least two other women came forward with allegations of sexual abuse before the trial, but the Crown Prosecution Service restricted the case to six complainants.
Prosecutors are now considering whether to bring additional charges, potentially leading to a second trial.
Detectives believe the conviction could be a ‘watershed moment’ that encourages more women to come forward.
Brand is also facing civil claims in Britain and the United States.
A High Court claim by a woman seeking £100,000 in damages for alleged personal injury and sexual abuse has been paused until the criminal proceedings conclude.
The woman, identified only as AGX in legal documents, alleges that she was 23 when Brand forced himself on her at his Los Angeles mansion in 2008.
She claims she fled in terror while half-dressed after he pushed her onto his bed and attempted to perform sex acts without her consent.
A separate lawsuit has also been filed in New York. Brand is accused by an extra in the 2010 romantic comedy Arthur of exposing himself to cast members before sexually assaulting her in a lavatory on set.
None of the complainants in the criminal case have filed compensation claims, but the verdict could allow them and other potential victims to pursue civil action against Brand.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy described the conviction as a possible ‘watershed moment’.
He added: ‘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 prey on and exploit 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.’
This is a breaking news story, with more updates to follow
