LONDON — British comedian and actor Russell Brand was been found guilty of rape and sexual assault in a London court Thursday.
\n\nBrand, once one of Britain’s highest-profile broadcasters and the former husband of singer Katy Perry, had denied the accusations, saying the incidents had been consensual, reinvented or reimagined.
\n\nBrand, 51, was accused of three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of attempted indecent assault. Ultimately, he was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. He was acquitted of the other charges.
\n\nHe had pleaded not guilty to all counts and consistently denied all of the allegations.
\n\nThe judge, Justice Joel Bennathan, told Brand in court that the consequence of the verdicts is a “significant custodial term” and that he would have to remain in prison until he is formally sentenced Monday.
\n\n“You’ve been convicted of a number of offenses, including rape,” Bennathan said, adding that Brand inevitably faced a “significant” prison sentence.
\n\nThe maximum sentence for rape is life imprisonment, and it is 10 years for one count of sexual assault, according to Britain’s Sentencing Council.
\n\nAn investigation into allegations of rape made by two women continues…
Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/