The Metropolitan Police is encouraging any of Russell Brand’s potential victims to come forward in the wake of his conviction for rape and sexual assault.
At Southwark Crown Court yesterday, Mr Justice Joel Bennathan sentenced Brand to ten years and six months in prison for his crimes. Brand is expected to serve around seven years behind bars before being considered for released on licence.
Mr Justice Bennathan said, “Whatever women wear, wherever they go, indeed whatever they drink, they retain the right to say no and to demand justice from the criminal courts when sexual predators like you, Russell Brand, act without their consent.”
Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Russell Brand listening to Judge Mr Justice Bennathan at Southwark Crown Court, London. Elizabeth Cook/Press Association
The actor and comedian was found guilty last week of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others between 2004 and 2009.
Veronica Oakeshott, Head of External Affairs at Women’s Aid, welcomed the sentence. “Brand was allowed to hide in plain sight for too long,” she wrote.
Reborn, a US-based wellness company founded by Brand, is advertising a $34.99 (£26) T-shirt featuring Brand’s image and the words “Free Russell”.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley told the BBC that he would not be surprised if further allegations emerged in the coming days.
“There’s two more rape allegations that we’re looking at. We’re encouraging anybody else to come forward if there’s any other allegations,” he said.
Brand’s trial is the latest in a series of high-profile cases that have raised questions about how fame and power can shield sexual predators from accountability.
For years, Brand’s celebrity status gave him influence over those around him. Now, his conviction raises wider questions about the culture that allowed his behaviour to go unchecked.
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HeadlineMet Police Chief “would not be surprised” if more allegations made against Russell Brand
Short HeadlinePolice expect more allegations against Russell Brand
StandfirstMet Police urges potential victims to come forward.
The Metropolitan Police is encouraging any of Russell Brand’s potential victims to come forward in the wake of his conviction for rape and sexual assault.
At Southwark Crown Court yesterday, Mr Justice Joel Bennathan sentenced Brand to ten years and six months in prison for his crimes. Brand is expected to serve around seven years behind bars before being considered for released on licence.
Mr Justice Bennathan said, “Whatever women wear, wherever they go, indeed whatever they drink, they retain the right to say no and to demand justice from the criminal courts when sexual predators like you, Russell Brand, act without their consent.”
Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Russell Brand listening to Judge Mr Justice Bennathan at Southwark Crown Court, London. Elizabeth Cook/Press Association
The actor and comedian was found guilty last week of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others between 2004 and 2009.
Veronica Oakeshott, Head of External Affairs at Women’s Aid, welcomed the sentence. “Brand was allowed to hide in plain sight for too long,” she wrote.
Reborn, a US-based wellness company founded by Brand, is advertising a $34.99 (£26) T-shirt featuring Brand’s image and the words “Free Russell”.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley told the BBC that he would not be surprised if further allegations emerged in the coming days.
“There’s two more rape allegations that we’re looking at. We’re encouraging anybody else to come forward if there’s any other allegations,” he said.
Brand’s trial is the latest in a series of high-profile cases that have raised questions about how fame and power can shield sexual predators from accountability.
For years, Brand’s celebrity status gave him influence over those around him. Now, his conviction raises wider questions about the culture that allowed his behaviour to go unchecked.
