Russell Brand has been jailed for 10 and a half years after being found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.
The 51-year-old returned to Southwark Crown Court on Monday after spending the weekend at HMP Wandsworth.
Judge Mr Justice Bennathan told Brand following the verdicts that he should expect “a significant custodial term”.
Brand faced seven charges in total: three of rape, three of sexual assault and one of attempted indecent assault.
The comedian was found not guilty on three counts: two counts of rape and one count of attempted indecent assault.
Brand’s crimes took place between 2004 and 2009, and involved four women who are all entitled to lifelong anonymity.
Crown Prosecution Service applauds ‘extraordinary courage’ of Brand’s victims following sentencing
In a written statement, Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) senior crown prosecutor David Roberts has thanked the women “at the heart of this case”, lauding their “extraordinary courage”.
Mr Roberts said: “We want to thank all the women who were at the heart of this case. They did not know each other and each has carried what happened to them for almost two decades.
“Giving evidence in this trial, and being questioned about these deeply traumatising, personal events took extraordinary courage. They have been able to assist the court further through their victim personal statements, read out today, in which they described in their own words the impact these violating attacks have had on their lives.
“Today’s sentence cannot undo the harm the victims have lived with, but we hope it brings them some measure of justice.
“The evidence presented in this case showed Brand to be a manipulative sexual predator, using his growing fame and power to create situations in which he could pursue women sexually, regardless of what they wanted and with a complete disregard for the impact of his actions.
“Our specialist prosecutors worked closely with police to focus on the actions of Brand – not the victims – and to build the strongest possible case to put before the court.
“Today’s result shows that fame, status and the passage of time do not change the fundamental issue of consent.
“No matter who the abuser is, or what the situation or circumstances are, we will always take allegations of rape and sexual assault seriously.
“I hope this outcome encourages anyone who may have experienced sexual assault to come forward and report what happened, knowing that they will be listened to and supported throughout the process.”
Russell Brand’s dad says ‘they’ve got it wrong’ as he reacts to son’s sentencing
Speaking to GB News’s Will Godley, Ron Brand has argued against the guilty verdicts delivered to his son, telling Will: “They’ve got it wrong.”
Elsewhere, when asked how his son would cope in prison, Ron Brand told reporters: “Yeah, he’s strong, he’s strong.”
He was also asked how his daughter-in-law, Laura Gallacher, would hold up with her husband in prison, Mr Brand said: “She’s strong as well.”
Laura Gallacher refuses questions as she leaves court alongside security team
Laura Gallacher refused to answer questions as she walked out of Southwark Crown Court and got into a black minivan following her husband’s sentencing.
Media and paparazzi flocked around Ms Gallacher as she was ushered into the car before making a hasty getaway at around the 2:45pm mark.
Channel 4’s Dispatches programme calls sentence a ‘powerful demonstration of why investigative journalism matters’
Louisa Compton, director of news, digital and audience trust, at Channel 4 said in a statement following the sentencing: “The courage of these women who gave evidence through the criminal justice system and those who trusted our Channel 4 and The Sunday Times/The Times journalists with deeply personal testimony should never be underestimated.
“Today, and throughout the trial, we have heard of the trauma suffered by the women in this case. Above all else, we commend their bravery.
“This case is also a powerful demonstration of why investigative journalism matters. The women who trusted the original Dispatches investigation helped give others the confidence to come forward.
“That is an extraordinary legacy of their decision to speak out. We owe them an enormous debt of gratitude and Channel 4 will continue to back rigorous, fearless public-interest journalism that gives people a voice and holds power to account.”
Met Police say Brand’s victims showed ‘immense bravery, dignity and resilience’
The Metropolitan Police has branded today’s sentencing as a “significant milestone” in holding Brand accountable for his crimes.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy said: “Today’s sentence marks a significant milestone in our investigation and means Russell Brand has been held accountable for his crimes.
“My thoughts today are with the women who came forward and made this investigation possible. Reporting sexual offences can be incredibly difficult, and they have shown immense bravery, dignity and resilience throughout what has been a lengthy investigation and challenging trial process.
“The victims have had to revisit deeply traumatic experiences and endure significant public and media attention. I hope today’s outcome provides some measure of closure and allows them to continue rebuilding their lives.
“Their courage in coming forward has not only led to this outcome but may also give confidence to others who have suffered sexual violence to seek help and report what happened to them. I hope they recognise just how powerful their actions have been, and the difference they may make to others.
“From the very beginning, our investigation was never about Russell Brand’s profile, status or celebrity. Our focus has always been on the women who reported these offences and on conducting a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations they made.
“I am incredibly proud of the investigation team, who worked tirelessly to gather evidence, pursue every available line of enquiry and support the victims throughout the process. Working closely with colleagues from the Crown Prosecution Service, they built a case that has ultimately resulted in a dangerous offender being brought to justice.
“Finally, I want to make a direct appeal to anyone who has been a victim of rape or any other sexual offence. We know it can take enormous courage to speak about what has happened to you, no matter how long ago it occurred or who was responsible.
“If you come forward, you will be listened to, supported and treated with care and compassion.”
Judge reveals full breakdown of sentences for each of Russell Brand’s crimes
Russell Brand’s rape conviction resulted in a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment.
He will serve the rape sentence consecutively with the three concurrent sentences for his sexual assault convictions.
Brand was sentenced to nine months for sexually assaulting a woman whose breasts he grabbed at a bar in London in 2004.
He was sentenced to 18 months for sexually assaulting a woman at the Choice FM studios in London in either 2004 or 2005.
And eight months for sexual assault while working on a Channel 4 project in 2009.
Together, Brand will serve a sentence of 10 years and six months.
Russell Brand likely to serve two-thirds of sentence in custody
While he may have received a sentence of 10 and a half years, it’s believed Brand will only serve two-thirds of it in custody.
According to the Sentencing Council, offenders jailed for four years or more for some serious violent or sexual offences will be released at the two-thirds point.
Once he is released from custody, he’ll face a number of restrictions and spend the rest of his sentence on licence.
This means he will have to play by specific rules, whether it be tag-wearing or curfews.
He won’t be eligible for the new early release scheme as sex offenders are excluded.
Russell Brand and wife Laura Gallacher share brief interaction before he’s led away
Laura Gallacher was seen breathing deeply and telling her companions, “it’s okay, it’s okay,” following the sentence.
She was then accompanied through the corridors of Southwark Crown Court.
As he received his sentence, Brand was emotionless but turned to his wife and told her, “we’ll be okay” and mouthed: “I love you.”
Judge tells Russell Brand he will serve sentences concurrently
During his remarks, Mr Justice Bennathan explained that the sentencing guidance means he “shall not make all sentences consequently to one another”.
To make all the sentences concurrent “would not do justice to the overall gravity of your criminality,” the judge said.
He added that when passing several sentences, the overall result is just and proportionate.
Russell Brand sentenced to 10 years and six months behind bars
The judge has sentenced Russell Brand to a total of 10 years and six months for rape and sexual assault.
Rape victim was left ‘distraught, in pain and terrified she might have contracted HIV’, judge tells sex offender
Russell Brand’s rape victim was left “distraught, in pain and terrified she might have contracted HIV” after the attack, the judge has said.
Speaking about the victim, the sentencing judge said: “She was a huge fan of yours, which you were happy to exploit.”
The rapist comedian showed “contempt for his casual hook ups”, the judge added, by saving the woman’s number with a “T for Tart”.
Judge describes sexual assault as ‘outrageous and possibly laddish’ in sentencing remarks
Moving onto a second case of sexual assault in Capital Radio’s offices in 2005, the judge read out evidence from the victim recalling the “very rough” assault.
He said the incident “was outrageous and possibly laddish, but also a criminal offence”.
Rapist comedian had ‘casual, arrogant disregard of any woman’s right to say no’, Judge tells Russell Brand
Russell Brand had a “casual, arrogant disregard of any woman’s right to say no”, the Judge has told the rapist comedian.
Mr Justice Bennathan, discussing the sexual assault against the woman in a Soho bar, said Brand’s claims that he had never touched the victim without consent was just “one of a series of lies you told”.
Judge tells Russell Brand: ‘You were a sexual predator’
Judge has told Russell Brand that he was a sexual predator, “protected” by his celebrity status.
Mr Justice Bennathan told Brand: “About 20 years ago, you were becoming famous. You were clever and in many people’s eyes funny and charismatic.
“You had also become a sexual predator. Your status protected you until 2023. Those public declarations that you were a sex offender empowered a number of women to come forward and tell their stories of your activities many years before.
“I now have to sentence you for the crimes you committed against four women between 2004 and 2009.”
Andy Burnham praises victims’ bravery as Prime Minister admits: ‘There’s a lot more that needs to change’
Andy Burnham has praised the victims’ bravery and has promised to be “relentless” in improving the justice system for victims.
The Prime Minister said: “I’ll be honest and say I don’t think you ever can do enough to get the right support in place for victims to give them the confidence to come forward, because we know that still isn’t there in the way that it should be.
“But I have already taken a decision to make sure there are rape and serious sexual offence teams in every police force by the end of next year. It was going to be 2029, I brought it forward, and I kind of lean back on my work as Mayor of Greater Manchester in this regard.
“There is so much that needs to be done. We have to bring it forward.
“Obviously today, everybody will be thinking about the women who had the courage to come forward. Their bravery will, I believe, change the system more broadly, and we will be relentless in making whatever improvements we can.
“But there’s no complacency here. There’s a lot more that needs to change.”
Laura Gallacher returns to seat in court to hear husband’s sentencing
Laura Gallacher and two female friends have returned to their seats in court ahead of Russell Brand’s sentencing, which is expected to begin imminently.
Ms Gallacher is also joined by a member of her personal security team who has been present throughout the trial.
Media from around the world gather ahead of 2pm sentencing of Russell Brand
Dozens of camera crews and reporters have returned to their spots outside of Southwark Crown Court ahead of the judge’s 2pm sentencing of Russell Brand.
Good Afternoon Britain presenter Emily Carver and GB News National Reporter Will Godley have been reporting for The People’s Channel on the ground.
Laura Gallacher tells Russell Brand ‘I love you’ as hearing breaks before 2pm return
Following a morning of victim impact statements, as well as mitigating and aggravating factors put forward by the defence and prosecution, respectively, the court has adjourned.
As Brand left the dock, he looked back towards his wife, who mouthed the words “I love you”.
Russell Brand’s wife ‘experiencing total devastation’ as a result of guilty verdict
Laura Gallacher is currently experiencing “total devastation” as a result of her husband’s conviction, Russell Brand’s defence has told the court.
Gallacher has been married to Brand for a decade. They share three children.
Ian Winter KC also mentioned that the couple are “wrestling” with how to break the news of Brand’s conviction to their eldest child, 10.
The barrister urged the court to consider the consequences for innocent people connected to Brand in sentencing.
Defence team outline mitigating factors to court
Brand’s defence barrister, Ian Winter KC, has said that the 51-year-old “is a fundamentally different person today”.
Referring to the timeframe in which the crimes were committed, Mr Winter branded his client “very famous” and said the offences were connected to that exposure to fame.
Regarding the rape conviction, Mr Winter told the court that the offence occurred after “fully consensual vaginal intercourse” and “was quite a short… momentary total failure to respect her consent”.
He also argued that the woman whom Brand anally raped was “not particularly vulnerable”.
Brand’s barrister’s role is to try to reduce Brand’s sentence by sharing any mitigating factors on behalf of the comedian.
Russell Brand victim received ‘death threats from manic fans’ as woman speaks out impact of trial
One of Russell Brand’s victims, the woman who was assaulted in a Soho bar, said she had received death threats from the comedian’s “manic” fans.
She told the court: “Seeing the front pages of the newspaper talking about what happened to me caused me to have the only panic attack I’ve ever had in my life, it was a truly terrifying experience.
“Even more terrifying was seeing my character be torn apart on social media by people believing all of us women were making it up. It was hugely upsetting for myself, my family and friends who wanted to scream at their phones whilst scrolling through.
“There’s been accusations and death threats from manic supporters of him on social media which has installed a genuine fear that my name will somehow get out there and some crazy person will come after me or my family.
“The last three years have been a massive strain on myself and my family navigating this whole procedure, the fear and anticipation of the trial has taken a huge toll on my mental and physical health.”
Workplace assault could be ‘abuse of trust’, court told as prosecutor sets out ‘sentencing starting point’
Prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC said a workplace assault in a Soho bar in 2004 could be considered an “abuse of trust”.
The lawyer set out a starting point for sentencing, arguing it should begin from one year’s custody.
For the attack on the woman at Capital Radio in 2005, Ms Karmy-Jones said sentencing should start from at least two years, explaining the workplace assault was an “abuse of trust”.
Prosecutor stresses ‘severe psychological harm’ to Brand’s victim means he should be handed lengthy sentence
Prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC has told the court the “degradation and humiliation” caused by Russell Brand make the rape the most serious offence.
The lawyer is aguing the rape conviction should fall into category 1 – the highest level for rape cases – due to the “severe psychological harm” caused to the victim.
She stressed the victim, who was 21 at the time of the attack, was “particularly vulnerable” due to her age, while Brand was 33, adding: “We suggest that he manipulated her into coming to his house that day.”
Prosecutor now turns attention to assisting in sentencing
Now that all four victim impact statements have been read in court, the prosecutor will assist the court in reaching an appropriate sentence for Brand.
The offence of rape can result in a sentence of four to 19 years, according to The Sentencing Council’s rape guidelines.
However, for exceptionally serious cases, terms of 20 years and beyond can be delivered.
Sexual assault offences can fetch any sentence from a community order to seven years in prison.
Fourth and final victim statement read aloud to court
The woman who was sexually assaulted by Brand while working on a Channel 4 project with him in 2009 has also been read aloud.
Following the assault, the woman said she “lost my trust in people” and that she deemed her “working environment wasn’t safe.”
Brand stared straight ahead in the dock emotionless.
Brand rape victim ‘feared she may have contracted HIV’ after attack
Prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC continued to read the impact statement of the woman raped by Brand in 2009.
After revealing that “the incident has affected my relationships,” the woman also said that she feared she may have contracted HIV after being left in significant pain.
Brand’s “public profile meant she didn’t feel confident to speak out about what happened at the time.
“His fame… wealth created a power imbalance… He was so powerful, rich and influential,” she said.
She branded the suggestion that she was simply an “obsessive fan” as “deeply hurtful”.
Russell Brand rape victim ‘struggled to sleep and eat’ following ordeal
A statement from the woman whom Brand was convicted of raping in 2009 was read aloud to the court.
Brand committed the offence after meeting her at a comedy show in Hammersmith.
The victim says she “struggled to sleep and eat” and to “cope with my emotions” after the attack. “I am living with trauma and something I carry every day,” she added.
The woman revealed in her statement that she had to take time away from work and live with her parents, and that her confidence and self-esteem have been “badly affected”.
Second sexual assault victim says ‘Russell Brand is a sexual predator who has no remorse’
The prosecution has read aloud a statement from another sexual assault victim.
The woman was sexually assaulted by Brand in 2005 and says that while she “managed to move on”, this “has had a lasting impact on my life”.
She added that “over the years, hearing his voice on television or seeing his image has made me jump.”
The statement ended with: “Russell Brand is a sexual predator who has no remorse… I just hope he is not allowed to hurt any more women.”
First of Brand’s victims delivers impact statement from inside the courtroom
The first victim impact statement was delivered by a woman whom Brand sexually assaulted in a Soho bar in 2004.
The victim delivered her statement live in court from behind a protective curtain. She said: “I wanted to express how this crime has affected me over the years. When it happened, I was in complete shock and turmoil for weeks, trying to process what had happened to me. I was extremely upset and traumatised.
“It really affected how I viewed myself; I didn’t have any respect for myself and got into situations with toxic men as I didn’t have any self-worth. I literally lost any love for myself for a long time, thinking that I was damaged goods.
“For many years, as his star was rising, it was impossible to escape seeing him all over the media, being celebrated for his disgusting behaviour against women like it was all a joke. There were many times I felt visibly sick at the sight of him parading around, thinking he can get away with anything.
“Over the years I tried not to think about it and get on with my life – I had a beautiful daughter who helped me to heal and learn to love myself again and to try and be the best mum in the world for her.”
Brand’s wife, Laura Gallacher, was spotted shaking her head during the impact statement.
“I felt like my life was on hold for all of that time, waiting (for) my time to speak out about what happened to me,” the victim went on.
She ended her statement with a phrase she said she had “read the other day.”
She concluded: “As they say, a leopard may change its spots, but at the end of the day it’s still a leopard and not a gazelle.”
Judge confirms he will pass sentence at 2pm GMT
Following a delay to the start of the proceedings, the judge has confirmed that he will pass Brand’s sentence at 2pm.
The judge has already hinted at a “significant custodial sentence” for the comedian. He will also reveal whether Brand will serve his terms consecutively or concurrently.
Russell Brand enters the dock as sentencing to begin
Russell Brand is currently in the dock wearing a suit and a white scarf flanked by two security officers, GB News reporter Will Godley has confirmed.
Brand is able to hear what the judge, victims, and witnesses say throughout the proceedings.
Laura Gallacher arrives at Southwark Crown Court on Monday morning ahead of Russell Brand’s sentencing
Laura Gallacher was accompanied by a female friend as she arrived at Southwark Crown Court on Monday morning.
The 39-year-old refused to speak to reporters and media as she made her way inside the building.
Court staff delay beginning of Russell Brand’s sentencing to prevent view of victim in witness box
The sentencing of Russell Brand has been pushed back from its initially billed 10:30am start time.
Court staff had to re-organise the courtroom so that the convicted rapist, his supporters, and the public gallery could not see the witness box.
One of Brand’s victims is due to give her victim impact statement live in court, with others expected to be read by the prosecution.
Brand’s entourage consisted of nine people, all of whom entered the court and took their seats before being asked to move to the back of the court to swap with a group of journalists.
His supporters, who include his wife Laura Gallacher and father Ronald, eventually took their seats behind the dock.
Ms Gallacher was spotted taking deep breaths and holding the hands of two women sitting either side of her in the courtroom.
Brand’s father, Ron, sat on the same row as Ms Gallacher, wearing a trilby hat and wool coat.
