Actor Russell Brand convicted of rape and sexual assault

On Thursday, a London court convicted British actor Russell Brand on charges of rape and sexual assault. Brand, 51, was convicted of raping a young fan in 2009, after they met at one of his shows in west London.

He was also convicted of three counts of sexual assault. Judge Joel Benatan stated, after pronouncing the sentence, that the case was “very tightly prepared,” noting that the sentencing hearing would be held on Monday, according to what was reported by the British Press Association.

It was decided to remand Brand, as he stood in the dock while the sentences were announced, and closed his eyes when he heard his conviction for rape. “The consequence of this will inevitably be a long prison sentence,” Judge Benatan said.