Russell Brand gets 10.5 years in London jail
The British actor was sentenced on Monday for offenses committed between 2004 and 2009.
By Luana Sato ·
Russell Brand faces ten years and six months in prison after a London court convicted him of rape and sexual assault. The 51 year old actor received the sentence on Monday following a guilty verdict issued the previous Thursday.
Judge Joel Bennathan of the Southwark Crown Court determined the length of the term. The penalty includes a ten year segment for the rape of a woman in 2009. Brand must serve a minimum of seven years before he can apply for parole.
The court addressed four women who alleged they were victimized between 2004 and 2009. The judge described Brand as a sexual predator during the sentencing hearing. He also praised the determination and courage of the victims who endured the trauma caused by the actor.
Brand wore a crucifix around his neck as the verdict was read. He looked at his wife, Laura Gallacher, and told her he loved her. The couple has three children. Court officers then escorted Brand to a holding cell inside the building before his transfer to a prison facility.
The specific charges included an anal rape of a 21 year old fan met after a show at the Hammersmith Apollo in 2009. Other counts involved kissing and groping a Capital Radio employee in a corridor in 2005. A third count covered touching an MTV worker at a Soho bar party in 2004. The final count involved a sexual assault of a Channel 4 employee during a 2009 recording session.
Judge Bennathan acknowledged Brand's recent work helping people with addictions. He also noted the family difficulties Brand faces as a father of three. The jury acquitted the actor on two additional rape charges and one indecent assault charge due to insufficient evidence.
