Russell Brand sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for rape and sexual assaults

Russell Brand was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison for raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others. Sentencing took place Monday at Southwark Crown Court in London, where judge Joel Bennathan said Brand showed a “casual and arrogant disregard” for women’s right to say no. The court heard Brand told lies during the trial. Bennathan said Brand would need to serve at least two-thirds of the term—about seven years—before becoming eligible for parole. Brand was convicted on Nov. 5 of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault, and was acquitted of two rape counts and one attempted indecent assault. Victims described long-term trauma and lasting impacts.