Russell Brand guilty of rape and three sexual assaults

British comedian Russell Brand was convicted on Thursday at London's Southwark Crown Court of one rape and three sexual assaults against four women, spanning from 2005 to 2009. The comedian, 51, was cleared of two other rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault. Judge Joel Bennathan warned Brand that he could face a significant custodial sentence.

Brand's wife, Laura, was present in the public gallery as the jury delivered their unanimous guilty verdicts. The maximum sentence for rape in the UK is life imprisonment, and Brand faces sentencing on Monday. The Metropolitan Police praised the women who came forward, stating that Brand exploited and sexually offended against them using his influence and fame.

Prosecutor David Roberts described Brand as a "predatory and manipulative" sexual predator who committed the crimes regardless of consent. Brand's lawyer Ian Winter had requested bail to allow Brand to say goodbye to his three young children, but Judge Bennathan denied the request, citing Brand's considerable resources and the risk of him fleeing after sentencing.