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Russell Brand has been found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault following a closely watched trial at Southwark Crown Court. The comedian and actor, aged 51, was remanded in custody after the verdicts were delivered and is due to be sentenced on Monday.

Russell Brand found guilty after landmark trial

The jury considered seven charges involving six women. The allegations dated from 1999 to 2009, spanning a period when Brand’s profile in comedy, television and entertainment was rapidly growing.

Brand was found guilty of rape in relation to an incident at his London home in 2009. The court heard that he had met the woman shortly before the alleged assault at the Hammersmith Apollo, where he had performed a comedy show.

He was also convicted of sexually assaulting a woman at a London bar in 2004. According to evidence presented during the trial, the incident occurred at a birthday gathering in Soho.

A further sexual assault conviction concerned an incident at the Choice FM studios in either 2004 or 2005. The jury also found Brand guilty of a sexual assault linked to his work on a Channel 4 project in 2009.

Judge warns of significant prison sentence

After the verdicts, Mr Justice Bennathan told Brand that a custodial sentence of some length would result. The judge said the case had been well prepared and confirmed that sentencing would take place on Monday.

Brand was then remanded in custody. He showed little visible emotion as the verdicts were read, closing his eyes when the guilty verdict for rape was announced.

The jury found Brand not guilty on three charges. These included two counts of rape and one count of attempted indecent assault. Brand had denied all the allegations during the proceedings.

Police praise the courage of complainants

The Metropolitan Police said the verdict was a testament to the courage and determination of the women who reported what happened to them. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy said the complainants had faced intense public and media scrutiny while reliving deeply personal experiences.

He said Brand had used his influence, status and fame to exploit and sexually offend against women. Furphy added that the conviction should send a clear message that no one is above the law, regardless of how famous or powerful they may be.

The police also encouraged anyone who may have experienced rape or serious sexual assault to come forward, promising that reports would be treated with dignity and respect.

Further allegations remain under investigation

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that Brand is being investigated over further rape allegations made by two women. Officers have already questioned him under caution in relation to those complaints.

According to the force, files connected with both complainants have been submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service. Detectives remain in contact with prosecutors while further investigative work continues.

The development does not represent new charges or a further conviction. Any decision about possible prosecution will be made after the investigation and legal review are complete.

What the trial heard

Prosecutors described Brand as a sexual predator during opening arguments and said his alleged desire for sexual contact was indiscriminate. Brand later gave evidence, telling the jury that the allegations had had a devastating effect on him and that he believed sexual consent was fundamental.

His defence challenged the prosecution’s interpretation of events and argued that there was no evidence Brand was someone who considered rape normal. The jury ultimately reached guilty verdicts on four of the seven charges.

The case has renewed public discussion about sexual consent, accountability in the entertainment industry and the challenges faced by complainants in high-profile criminal trials. The sentencing hearing on Monday is expected to provide the next major development.

Frequently asked questions

What was Russell Brand found guilty of?

Russell Brand was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.

How many charges did Russell Brand face?

Brand faced seven charges involving six women. He was acquitted of three charges.

When will Russell Brand be sentenced?

He is due to be sentenced on Monday. The judge indicated that a significant custodial sentence is likely.

Are there further allegations against Russell Brand?

Yes. The Metropolitan Police said two further rape allegations remain under investigation, with files submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service.