'Sleazy', 'manipulative' and 'ruthless': Russell Brand convicted of rape, sexual assault

Comedian Russell Brand, once a high-profile broadcaster and Hollywood movie star, was found guilty by a UK court of raping a woman and sexually assaulting three others, according to prosecutors. The 51-year-old, who was previously married to US pop singer Katy Perry, was convicted of the offenses committed between 2004 and 2009.

The court heard tearful testimony from six complainants, all entitled to forever anonymity, who described Brand's sudden change in demeanor and maniacal behavior during their encounters. One victim claimed that Brand grabbed her breasts within a minute of meeting him at a party, while another described being anally raped after consensual sex, with Brand removing a condom and ordering her to clean up the mess.

Throughout his career, Brand has openly admitted to struggles with drugs and sex addiction, even writing about it in his 2007 autobiography. However, on the night of the trial, Brand denied all charges, claiming the incidents were either consensual, reinvented, or re-imagined. He acknowledged a "reckless philandering and idiocy" but emphasized the importance of sexual consent.

The jury found Brand guilty of rape and three sexual assaults, acquitted him of two other rape charges and an attempted indecent assault, and sentenced him to a lengthy prison term, with bail denied. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, from London police, stated that the conviction sends a clear message that no one is above the law, regardless of their fame or power.