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Comedian Russell Brand found guilty of rape, sexual assault

Prosecutors said Brand was obsessed with sex and used women to satisfy his own desires.

Comedian Russell Brand, once a prominent figure in Britain, faces jail time after being found guilty of rape and sexual assault. Prosecutors alleged that the 51-year-old, once married to US pop singer Katy Perry, was obsessed with sex and treated women like objects to fulfill his desires. The court heard testimony from six complainants, all of whom remained anonymous, describing Brand's maniacal demeanor during encounters.

Former friend and former personal assistant both testified that Brand had an insatiable sexual appetite. Brand denied all charges, stating that the incidents were either consensual or re-imagined. He acknowledged his "reckless philandering and idiocy" but emphasized the importance of sexual consent. The jury found him guilty of three sexual assaults and one rape, while acquitting him of two other rape charges.

The judge sentenced Brand to a lengthy prison term, with Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy stating that the conviction sends a clear message that no one is above the law.

Written by urgent.news from SABC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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