‘Petrified’ Russell Brand given ‘humiliating’ strip search before first night in jail

Russell Brand, the controversial comedian, was found guilty of rape and sexual assault on Thursday, according to the source. The British star faced charges from allegations spanning several years, which prosecutors in the case described as the actions of a "sexual predator." The judge, Joel Bennathan, indicated that Brand will likely receive a significant prison sentence when sentencing takes place on Monday.

After the verdict, Brand was placed in custody, with the judge denying bail due to concerns about the possibility of him fleeing the country. Judge Bennathan expressed regret for the hardships he believes the children of Brand will face as a result of this ordeal. The comedian, who has three children, denied the allegations during the trial, claiming he had a promiscuous past but never forced anyone to engage in activities against their will.

Prosecutors, however, painted a different picture, alleging that Brand was manipulative and calculated in his sexual assaults. Brand was convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault, while he was acquitted of two rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault.