Russell Brand jailed for 10 years and six months for rape and sexual assaults

Russell Brand has been sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison, the Metropolitan Police said. The sentencing took place at Southwark Crown Court on Monday, 9 November. Brand, 51, of Oxfordshire, 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, after a four-week trial.

According to the Met, the judge praised the police's hard work in gathering evidence and in taking great care of the women who testified. Victim impact statements from the four women were read in court. Three of them spoke of the support they had received from the investigation team. One said she did not believe she could have come so far without the police, the prosecution team and an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor. Another said she finally felt believed.

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy said outside court that the sentence was a significant milestone and that Brand had been held accountable. He said the investigation was never about Brand's profile or celebrity, and that it focused on the women and on a thorough, impartial inquiry. He described the women as showing great bravery and said he hoped their actions would encourage others to report sexual offences.

The Met invites anyone wishing to report an offence to email CSOU@met.police.uk or call 101, quoting reference 2321/04NOV26. Rape Crisis offers support on 0808 500 2222.