UK court hands comedian Russel Brand 10.5 years for rape, sexual assault 

A British court has sentenced comedian and actor Russell Brand to 10 years and six months in prison for rape and sexual assault.

London’s Southwark Crown Court handed down the sentence on Monday. Brand was convicted last week of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three more between 2004 and 2009.

The British media personality, known for outrageous stand-up routines and battles with drugs and alcohol, asserted that he was innocent and all his encounters were consensual.

However, a jury of eight men and four women on Thursday convicted him for attacks on four of six accusers. He was cleared of two counts of rape and one count of attempted indecent assault.

His victims delivered powerful statements during the sentencing hearing, describing the trauma his attacks had caused.

More to come…