Sex predator Russell Brand has been convicted of four sexual offenses, including rape and sexual assault, and could face new charges within weeks. The 51-year-old actor and comedian faces potential years in prison and significant financial ruin from civil claims on both sides of the Atlantic.
Brand was found guilty by a jury at Southwark Crown Court of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others between 2004 and 2009. The court heard he raped a 21-year-old fan at his London home in 2009 and assaulted three other women, including groping one at a radio station, another in a Soho bar, and touching a TV worker during a Channel 4 project.
Prosecutors are considering bringing additional charges after Brand was accused of two more rapes, including one involving a 16-year-old girl. His defense barrister asked for time for Brand to explain the conviction to his children, but the judge remanded him into custody, warning of a lengthy custodial sentence.
Brand was described in court as a sexually voracious 'monster' whose goal was to bed 5,000 women. He closed his eyes in the dock as the verdicts were read. His wife, Laura Gallacher, was seen weeping in the public gallery.
The conviction is also expected to cause embarrassment for political figures on the Left who previously associated with Brand, including Andy Burnham and Ed Miliband, who recruited him for Labour's 2015 election campaign.
Detectives are appealing for more victims to come forward, with files already submitted for new charges. Prosecution papers indicated Brand faces the prospect of charges related to a schoolgirl he is accused of raping after grooming her when he was 30. A Channel 4 Dispatches program previously alleged abuse involving a BBC car taking a woman referred to as 'Alice' from school to Brand's house.
Questions are being raised about BBC and Channel 4 executives regarding Brand's alleged behavior. While detectives considered charges against others in the entertainment industry for enabling his crimes, they found insufficient evidence.
Brand is already facing civil claims in the UK and the US. One woman has lodged a High Court claim for £100,000, alleging Brand attacked her at his Los Angeles mansion in 2008. Another lawsuit in New York accuses him of exposing himself and sexually assaulting an extra on the set of the 2010 film 'Arthur.' The verdict paves the way for further civil suits that could leave Brand financially ruined.
Despite the allegations, Brand reportedly commissioned a film crew to document his trial, anticipating a documentary about its perceived unfairness. He also used self-serving podcasts to blame the media for his situation.
During the trial, Brand's defense suggested that victims must scream or fight off attackers to be believed, a tactic criticized by rape campaigners and domestic abuse charities for perpetuating harmful myths. Brand was acquitted of two rapes and one attempted indecent assault. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Monday.