British comedian and Hollywood actor Russell Brand has been sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison after being convicted of rape and sexual assault.
Gatekeepers News reports that Brand was handed the sentence on Monday, following his conviction on Thursday over attacks on four women between 2004 and 2009.
The 51-year-old, who was once among Britain’s most prominent broadcasters, was found guilty of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others. He had denied all the charges.
A jury comprising eight men and four women found him guilty of offences involving four of his six accusers. However, he was acquitted of two counts of rape and one count of attempted indecent assault.
During sentencing, presiding judge Joel Bennathan condemned Brand’s conduct, describing it as a “casual and arrogant disregard” for women’s right to refuse sexual advances.
“About 20 years ago, Russell Brand, you were becoming famous,” Bennathan said.
“You were clever – and in many people’s eyes, funny and charismatic. You had also become a sexual predator.”
Brand rose to international prominence through his work in broadcasting and acting, featuring in several Hollywood productions.
He gained widespread recognition for his role as rock star Aldous Snow in the 2008 romantic comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall, starring alongside Kristen Bell.
He also appeared in films including Get Him to the Greek and Arthur, earning three British Comedy Awards and a nomination for a BAFTA Award.
Brand was previously married to American pop star Katy Perry.
