Russell Brand Sentenced to 10 and a Half Years in Prison for Rape

British comedian and television personality Russell Brand has been sentenced to prison following a jury's unanimous conviction last Thursday for one rape and three sexual assaults against four women. The Toronto Sun and New Straits Times report that the crimes were committed between 2004 and 2009. While Brand was cleared of two other alleged rapes and one count of attempted indecent assault, New Straits Times reports that London police are conducting further investigations.

During the proceedings at London's Southwark Crown Court, a judge described Brand as a predator, according to DW News. The New York Times reported that the judge noted Brand showed a “casual, arrogant disregard” for the wishes of women. Brand, who has since reinvented himself as an online Christian guru, appeared in court in a dark suit and white shirt and made the sign of the cross while a victim read an impact statement.

Brief written by urgent.news from The New York Times, CBS News, DW News, Toronto Sun, New Straits Times — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.