Russell Brand has been jailed for 10 years and six months for rape and sexual assaults against four women.
Brand was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court today (Monday 9 November). He was described as a “sexual predator who has no remorse” as victim statements were read ahead of his sentencing.
A woman who was sexually assaulted by Brand in a Soho bar in 2004 said she was left in “complete shock and turmoil” following the attack.
Delivering her statement from behind a curtain, she told the court Brand was “being celebrated for his disgusting behaviour against women like it was all a joke.”
The woman said she felt “visibly sick at the sight of him parading around thinking he can get away with anything.”
Another victim, a radio worker assaulted by Brand in 2005, told the court the ordeal nearly led her to withdraw her complaint.
She said: “I almost decided to withdraw from the case as I did not think I was strong enough emotionally to proceed with my allegation.”
She described the “lasting impact” the assault had on her life, especially when hearing Brand’s voice on television or social media.
A third woman said Brand’s fame and influence left her feeling “powerless” and unable to report the abuse.
She said: “His fame, wealth, and influence created a power imbalance which made me feel powerless.”
She also described the criminal justice process as “extremely difficult,” saying the intrusion into her personal life felt as though she was “the person being scrutinised and interrogated.”
Brand reportedly showed no emotion as the statements were read.
Brand’s wife Laura Gallacher arrived at Southwark Crown Court in London for the sentencing hearing.
A man was charged with murder in Hounslow last week after a woman was found shot dead, while Crimestoppers has named the men it most wants to trace in London.
