Russell Brand Convicted of Rape and Sexual Assault by UK Court, Faces Prison Sentence

British comedian and actor Russell Brand has been found guilty of rape and sexual assault by a London court and is set to face a prison sentence. A jury at London’s Southwark Crown Court delivered the verdict on Thursday, convicting the 51-year-old of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. He was, however, acquitted of two other rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault.

Brand, who was once a prominent British broadcaster and is the former husband of US singer Katy Perry, had denied all charges. He maintained that the encounters were consensual or that the allegations were fabricated or reimagined.

Prosecutors had described Brand, known for his roles in films such as 'Get Him to the Greek' and 'Arthur', as a “ruthless” sexual predator. Judge Joel Bennathan stated that Brand would be sentenced on Monday and could face a lengthy prison term.