A jury at Southwark Crown Court in London found Russell Brand guilty of rape and three sexual assaults on Thursday, 5 November. The judge said he would impose a “substantial” prison sentence, and the comedian was taken into custody.
What the jury decided
The twelve-member jury (eight men and four women) deliberated for more than eight hours over two days. The 51-year-old Brand was found guilty of one count of rape, allegedly committed in 2009, and three sexual assaults. These concerned, among other things, an incident at a party in a London bar in 2004, a radio station employee in 2005, and a Channel 4 employee in 2009.
Originally he had been charged with three rapes, three sexual assaults and one attempted indecent assault. The court acquitted him of two rape charges and the attempted indecent assault. Brand pleaded not guilty.
Judge: prison sentence unavoidable
Judge Joel Bennathan said after the verdict that the convictions, including for rape, meant a “inevitably” substantial prison sentence. He refused bail and ordered Brand to be held in custody. The court will announce the sentence on Monday, 9 November.
Prosecution and defence
The Crown Prosecution Service published a statement on the case, and its representative David Roberts spoke outside the courthouse.
During the trial, the prosecutor described Brand as a ruthless, calculating and manipulative “sexual predator” who exploited his position and fame. Brand claimed he had fallen victim to a media conspiracy and insisted he had never forced anyone to do anything against their will. His wife Laura attended court with him.
How the case came to trial
The allegations were first revealed in September 2023 by a joint investigation by Channel 4, “The Sunday Times” and “The Times”. The Metropolitan Police then opened an investigation, and in April 2025 prosecutors decided to charge Brand. The trial began in 2026. On Thursday, BBC Breaking also reported that Brand is being investigated over further rape allegations made by two women.
