British comedian and actor Russell Brand has been sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison after being convicted of rape and three counts of sexual assault involving four women.
The 51-year-old entertainer was sentenced on Monday, November 9, 2026, at Southwark Crown Court in London, following a four-week trial in which a jury found him guilty of the offences committed between 2004 and 2009.
Brand received a nine-year prison sentence for rape, while the sentences for the three sexual assault convictions will run concurrently, with the longest being 18 months. The rape sentence will run consecutively, bringing his total prison term to 10 years and six months.
During the sentencing, Judge Joel Bennathan described Brand as a sexual predator, criticising what he characterised as his arrogance and belief that his celebrity status placed him above ordinary rules.
According to the prosecution, Brand used his growing fame and influence to exploit women and commit sexual offences.
The court heard that the offences involved four women, with incidents occurring at different locations, including a radio station, a DVD recording set and Brand’s home.
Brand had pleaded not guilty to all the charges and maintained that his sexual encounters were consensual.
However, the jury found him guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault, while acquitting him of two additional rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault.
During the sentencing proceedings, the victims presented impact statements detailing the psychological and emotional consequences of the assaults, including anxiety, trauma and difficulties rebuilding their confidence.
The judge also commended the women for their courage in coming forward and giving evidence despite the passage of nearly two decades.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said the conviction demonstrated that fame, status and the passage of time do not change the fundamental issue of consent.
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police said detectives had gathered evidence from more than 100 witnesses and reviewed thousands of documents during the investigation.
Brand, who rose to prominence through stand-up comedy, television and acting, was initially investigated following allegations reported by British media in 2023.
The police have also indicated that investigations into two additional rape allegations involving the entertainer are ongoing.
Under the sentence, Brand will be eligible for release after serving two-thirds of his prison term, subject to the applicable release conditions.
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