Russell Brand jailed for rape and sexual offences

Russell Brand has been sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison after being convicted of four sexual offences.

During the sentencing hearing, the judge praised the “hard work of the Metropolitan Police in gathering evidence and taking great care of the women who testified”.

Brand, 51 (04.06.75), of Oxfordshire, was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Monday, 9 November. He will be on the sex offenders’ register for life. Last week, a jury at the same court found him guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault following a four-week trial.

Victim impact statements were read in court from the four women who courageously came forward to report Brand's offending. The statements powerfully described the lasting impact of his crimes, with three of the women highlighting the support they received from the investigation team throughout the criminal justice process.

One victim said: “I am grateful to the support from the Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (IVSA), the police team who from the start took my testimony seriously and the prosecution team who have been with me throughout this process. I do not believe that I could have come this far without them.”

Another victim said: “I am eternally grateful to the police and prosecution team for their support and for allowing my voice to be heard. I finally feel believed.”

After the sentencing hearing, Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy made the following statement outside court: “Today’s sentence marks a significant milestone in our investigation and means Russell Brand has been held accountable for his crimes.

“My thoughts today are with the women who came forward and made this investigation possible. Reporting sexual offences can be incredibly difficult, and they have shown immense bravery, dignity and resilience throughout what has been a lengthy investigation and challenging trial process.

“The victims have had to revisit deeply traumatic experiences and endure significant public and media attention. I hope today’s outcome provides some measure of closure and allows them to continue rebuilding their lives.

“Their courage in coming forward has not only led to this outcome but may also give confidence to others who have suffered sexual violence to seek help and report what happened to them. I hope they recognise just how powerful their actions have been, and the difference they may make to others.

“From the very beginning, our investigation was never about Russell Brand’s profile, status or celebrity. Our focus has always been on the women who reported these offences and on conducting a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations they made.

“I am incredibly proud of the investigation team, who worked tirelessly to gather evidence, pursue every available line of enquiry and support the victims throughout the process. Working closely with colleagues from the Crown Prosecution Service, they built a case that has ultimately resulted in a dangerous offender being brought to justice.

“Finally, I want to make a direct appeal to anyone who has been a victim of rape or any other sexual offence. We know it can take enormous courage to speak about what has happened to you, no matter how long ago it occurred or who was responsible.

“If you come forward, you will be listened to, supported and treated with care and compassion.”

If you wish to speak to Met detectives and make a report you can contact them via email on CSOU@met.police.uk. You can also make a report by calling 101 within the UK, quoting reference 2321/04NOV26.

If you have been affected by this case and would like to seek support from specialist agencies, please contact the independent charity Rape Crisis via 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line or call 0808 500 2222.