Russell Brand is sentenced to 10 years and six month for rape and sexual assault

Russell Brand, the 51-year-old British comedian and actor, is awaiting sentencing after being found guilty of raping a female fan at his home in 2009, as well as other sexual assaults. The four-week trial concluded with a jury finding him guilty of anally raping a woman who had met him at one of his shows; this conviction carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison. During the sentencing hearing, Brand listened emotionlessly as several victims described their traumatic experiences. One victim read her statement in person while others were read aloud by the prosecution. Brand's defense team has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings. The trial at Southwark Crown Court, which lasted six to eight weeks and involved testimony from six women, marked a significant fall from grace for the entertainer known for his work on both sides of the Atlantic.