Russell Brand gets more than 10 years in prison for rape and sexual assault

At the sentencing hearing, Judge Joel Bennathan referred to Brand as a “sexual predator” whose fame prevented him from being held accountable until a 2023 investigation by Channel 4 and The Times Of London brought the allegations to light. Bennathan also called out Brand’s “staggering arrogance” at the sentencing. Brand has been locked up since his verdict was issued last week. 

Deadline also notes that Brand had several supporters outside the courtroom, where some held a banner reading “Russell Brand, we stand with you. Christ was crucified for telling the truth. Russell is the truth.” The scene outside of the courtroom has been volatile before this; after the verdict was handed down last week, Brand’s lawyer Ian Winter reportedly confronted The Times journalist Rosamund Urwin, who published the investigation, castigating her with “I hope you’re pleased with yourself.” She reportedly responded, “I am pleased that justice has been done,” to which he responded, “It wasn’t.” After the incident was picked up in the press, Winter self-reported to the Bar Standards Board, according to the BBC.