Disgraced comedian Russell Brand to be sentenced for rape and sexual assault today

Disgraced comedian Russell Brand is to be sentenced for rape and sexual assault today as his weeks-long trial, commenced on 12 October at Southwark Crown Court, comes to an end.

Last week, the comedian was found guilty of rape and three counts of sexual assault after the court heard claims that he had embarked on a campaign to sleep with as many as 5,000 women, and became a "ruthless, calculated and manipulative" predator as he tried to satisfy his "voracious" sexual appetite.

Today's sentencing session, which will culminate in the judge delivering his sentence at 2pm, saw the court hear the five victims' impact statements, including one delivered in person.

The third complainant who chose to deliver her statement in person was sat behind a curtain drawn across the courtroom to protect her anonymity.

The woman, who was sexually assaulted by Brand at a party in Soho in 2004, shared: "For many years, as his star was rising it was impossible to escape seeing him all over the media, being celebrated for his disgusting behaviour against women like it was all a joke."

"Seeing the front pages of the newspaper talking about what happened to me caused me to have the only panic attack I've ever had in my life, it was a truly terrifying experience," she added (via Sky News).

On 4 November, Brand was found guilty of sexually assaulting the third claimant, but not guilty of going on to rape her in a toilet.

The comedian was also found guilty of raping a then 21-year-old woman at his mansion in Hampstead, North London, after meeting her at his 2009 stand-up show at the Hammersmith Apollo.

Brand was found guilty by the jury of committing sexual assault on a Channel 4 worker who had been forced to give him a massage in 2009. He was convicted of groping a Capital Radio worker after meeting her in a corridor in 2005.

The sentencing session continues as Brand, who faces a lengthy jail sentence for his crimes, is said to have stashed nearly £9 million out of his TV and stand-up company last year, which might result in victims struggling to get compensation.

Digital Spy has reached out to Brand's representatives for comment.

If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information from Rape Crisis England and Wales, which works towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct, on its website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.

Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.

Reporter, Digital Spy

Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy. 

Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).