Russell Brand sentenced for rape and sexual assault at Southwark Crown Court
Russell Brand faces between 4 and 19 years in prison after being convicted of rape and three counts of sexual assault. Sentencing began Monday at Southwark Crown Court.
Russell Brand awaits sentence after rape and sexual assault convictions
Russell Brand is facing a lengthy prison term after being convicted of rape and three counts of sexual assault, the Evening Standard reports. The 51-year-old comedian and actor was found guilty by a jury last Thursday following a four-week trial at Southwark Crown Court.
Mr Justice Joel Bennathan, who presided over the case, told Brand at the time of the verdict that he should expect a substantial custodial sentence. The judge also rejected Brand's application for bail over the weekend, citing concerns that he might abscond rather than return to court to face sentencing.
Brand was photographed leaving the court in a custodial van and is believed to have been held at HMP Wandsworth in the days following the verdict. He would have been monitored around the clock by prison officers and kept apart from the general prison population.
His wife, Laura Gallacher — sister of long-standing Sky Sports presenter Kirsty Gallacher — was seen visibly distressed in the public gallery as Brand was taken from the dock.
Sentencing range and process
Brand's sentencing hearing was scheduled to begin at 10.30am on Monday at Southwark Crown Court. He is expected to face between four and 19 years in prison.
Mr Justice Bennathan will assess the harm caused to Brand's victims and his level of culpability across each of the four offences. Victim impact statements are expected to be heard during the hearing. The judge will also weigh a range of aggravating and mitigating factors before determining the final length of the sentence.
One further consideration for the judge is whether Brand's sentences for the four individual offences should run concurrently or consecutively — a decision that will significantly affect the total time he serves.
Further allegations under investigation
The Metropolitan Police has confirmed it is investigating two additional allegations of rape made against Brand. One of those involves a woman who was 16 years old at the time of the alleged offence.
Prison placement
The UK Prison Service will determine Brand's placement based on an assessment of whether he poses an immediate risk to himself, to other prisoners, or to the public. Many convicted sex offenders are placed in Vulnerable Prisoner Units if prison staff consider them at risk of being targeted by other inmates.
Dedicated facilities for sexual offenders exist in England, including HMP Whatton in Nottinghamshire and HMP Stafford. However, Brand is widely expected to be sent to one of London's major adult male prisons, with HMP Wandsworth considered the most likely destination.
Source: Evening Standard