Russell Brand found guilty of rape and three sexual assaults

Russell Brand has been convicted of rape and three counts of sexual assault after a trial lasting four weeks at Southwark Crown Court. A jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts against the 51 year old, who lives in Oxfordshire. He will be sentenced at the same court on Monday 9 November.

The offences were committed against four women between 2004 and 2009. They took place at different locations, including a radio station, the set of a DVD recording, and Brand’s home address.

The Metropolitan Police began its investigation after Channel 4’s Dispatches programme, The Times and The Sunday Times reported allegations against Brand in September 2023. Detectives set up a dedicated team and were contacted by a number of women who were not known to one another. Officers gathered evidence from more than 100 witnesses, took more than 400 witness statements and reviewed over 1,400 documents. They also examined historical floor plans, photographs, timelines and hundreds of hours of Brand’s stand up performances, television appearances, interviews, podcasts and books.

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy of the Metropolitan Police Service said the verdict was first and foremost a testament to the extraordinary courage, resilience and determination of the women who came forward. He noted that, despite intense media and public scrutiny, they relived deeply personal and traumatic experiences and placed their trust in the investigation. Without their bravery, he said, this outcome would not have been possible.

Furphy stated that Brand used his influence, status and fame to exploit and sexually offend against women, and that as his profile grew so too did his sense of entitlement. He expressed the hope that the conviction would send a clear message that no one is above the law, no matter how famous or powerful they may be. He also paid tribute to the detectives and specialist staff who worked on the case, describing their professionalism, determination and compassion as representing the very best of the Metropolitan Police.

During four police interviews Brand was given detailed accounts of the allegations but repeatedly claimed he did not recognise the women involved. As the case approached trial his account changed, leading prosecuting counsel to describe his recollection as selective memory. The non recent nature of the reports meant there was no CCTV or forensic evidence available, and digital enquiries were limited by the passage of time. Detectives instead focused on piecing together the circumstances of each allegation and identifying supporting evidence.

The women were supported throughout by specialist officers and dedicated victim support teams. The Metropolitan Police has urged anyone else who may have been a victim of rape or serious sexual assault to come forward, stating that they will be listened to, supported and treated with dignity and respect.

By John James