Russell Brand could spend nearly a decade behind bars after being convicted of rape and sexual assault in the United Kingdom.
The comedian and actor, 51, was found guilty Thursday at London’s Southwark Crown Court of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault involving four women. Following the verdict, Brand was taken into custody and is expected to be sentenced Monday, according to the BBC.
Brand Could Receive Years in Prison
A legal expert has offered an estimate of the prison term Brand could receive. Kally Sahota, a senior solicitor and director of Sahota & Sahota Solicitors, told Page Six he believes the convictions could result in a sentence of eight or nine years.
“My estimate, based on the convictions and what is publicly known, would be in the region of eight or nine years, although the final sentence is for the judge to decide,” Sahota said.
However, that prediction is not a confirmed sentence. The judge will determine the punishment after considering the convictions and the circumstances of the case.
Brand originally faced seven charges connected to allegations made by six women. The accusations involved incidents that allegedly occurred between 1999 and 2009. In addition to the rape and sexual assault charges, he was accused of attempted indecent assault.
Brand Was Found Guilty
The jury found him guilty of one rape charge and three sexual assault counts. He was acquitted of two additional rape charges and the attempted indecent assault allegation.
Brand denied the allegations throughout the proceedings. He maintained that the sexual encounters were consensual and rejected claims that he forced any of the women to participate in sexual activity against their will.
While testifying, Brand acknowledged that he had been “reckless” and had used his celebrity status to pursue sexual relationships. However, he insisted that consent was always present, according to The Guardian at the time.
He also told jurors that consent was “fundamental, essential and necessary.”
His wife, Laura Brand, appeared as a defense witness last week, one day after her husband gave evidence.
During her testimony, she discussed the beginning of their relationship. The couple first met when Laura was 19 and Russell was 31. They have three children together.
The length of Brand’s potential sentence will depend on the court’s assessment of the individual offenses. Sahota explained that rape sentencing guidelines in England and Wales provide for prison terms ranging from four to 19 years.
Although a life sentence is legally possible for rape in the country, the solicitor said he does not expect Brand to receive one.
The judge must also decide how to account for the three sexual assault convictions. Their sentences could run at the same time as the rape sentence, known as concurrently, or one after another, which is called consecutively.
Brand’s sentencing is scheduled for Monday, when the court will determine the consequences of the convictions. Until then, the eight- to nine-year estimate remains the legal expert’s prediction rather than an official outcome.
Russell Brand Could Face Years in Prison After Guilty Verdict