Russell Brand sentenced to 10-and-a-half years in prison for rape and sexual assault

Newswire and Ada Derana report that Russell Brand, a British comedian and actor, received a prison sentence of 10 years and six months at Southwark Crown Court. Newswire reports that Judge Joel Bennathan delivered the sentencing remarks.

Newswire reports that Brand maintained his innocence throughout the trial and said the sexual encounters were consensual. Newswire describes him as known for television and radio broadcasts, stand-up performances and public struggles with drugs and alcohol.

Newswire reports that Judge Bennathan connected the offences with Brand’s rise to fame and said he had disregarded women’s refusals. Newswire reports that the judge described Brand as becoming famous about 20 years earlier.

Written automatically by AI from the outlets’ own reports, and not reviewed by an editor. It can be wrong — the original report is the authority.