Russell Brand sentenced to 10-and-a-half years in prison for rape and sexual assault

British comedian and actor Russell Brand was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison on Monday after being convicted of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others in incidents spanning 2004 to 2009.Sentencing Brand at Southwark Crown Court, Judge Joel Bennathan said the comedian had displayed a "casual and arrogant disregard" for women and described him as a sexual predator who had used his fame and influence to gain access to victims."About 20 years ago, Russell Brand, you were becoming famous," the judge said. "You were clever — and in many people's eyes, funny and charismatic.

You had also become a sexual predator."The 51-year-old showed little emotion as the sentence was announced. He was subsequently led away by court officers, briefly mouthing "I love you" to his wife, Laura Brand, as he was taken to the cells, according to BBC reporters covering the hearing.Brand received nine years' imprisonment for the rape conviction.