Victims of Russell Brand have told a court the disgraced comedian is a “sexual predator” who they hope “is not allowed to hurt any more women”, as he is sentenced for rape and sexual assault.
Brand, now 51, spent the weekend in a cell after he was found guilty at Southwark Crown Court of raping a woman in 2009, as well as sexually assaulting female TV and radio workers between 2004 and 2009.
In a victim impact statement read to the court on Monday, a woman who was sexually assaulted by Brand at Choice FM in 2005 told the court the former actor is “a sexual predator who has no remorse for how his behaviour has impacted my life”.
She added: “I just hope that he is not allowed to hurt any more women.”
Mr Justice Bennathan will pass sentence today, after telling the shamed star to expect a “significant” jail term following the jury’s verdict last week.
In the wake of Brand’s convictions, the Metropolitan Police revealed that more allegations against the former TV and radio host are being investigated.
Read MoreThe celebrities who weren’t afraid to criticise Russell Brand
Disturbing footage of Russell Brand and Katy Perry resurfaces in wake of rape conviction
Key Points
- Russell Brand’s courtroom downfall: From flamboyant showman to convicted rapist
- I hope Brand will no longer be able to hurt women, victim says
- Woman at centre of ‘Sachsgate’ scandal offers statement in support of Brand
- Brand's wife 'standing by him', defence barrister says
- Brand made me feel like 'damaged goods', victim tells court
- What charges Brand will be sentenced for?
Court due back for Brand's sentencing shortly
13:50 , Tom BarnesSouthwark Crown Court is due to reconvene at around 2pm, where Justice Joel Bennathan will sentence Russell Brand.
Justice Bennathan has already warned the comic he faces a significant custodial sentence after he was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault last week.
From Katy Perry to drug addiction: What the Russell Brand rape trial jury didn’t hear
13:43 , Tom BarnesKaty Perry was left out of the prosecution case against Russell Brand, while jurors were also blocked from hearing details of his addictions to alcohol and drugs.
Prosecutors wanted to mention Perry, Brand’s ex-wife, when opening the Southwark Crown Court case against the comedian and podcaster over allegations of rape and sexual assault during 10 years of his showbusiness career.
But the Grammy-nominated singer was removed from lead prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC’s speech after submissions made by Brand’s legal team.
The prosecutors also agreed not to bring up Brand’s past religious interests, prior to his recent conversion to Christianity.
Read more:
I hope Russell Brand will no longer be able to hurt women, victim tells court – live
Pictured: Court sketch of Brand in dock during sentencing hearing released
13:28 , Tom Barnes
Andrew Sachs’ granddaughter issues statement in support of Russell Brand before sentencing
13:14 , Tom BarnesThe granddaughter of late Fawlty Towers actor Andrew Sachs has issued a statement in support of Russell Brand.
Georgina Baillie was thrust into the spotlight when the comic and Jonathan Ross left lewd messages about her liaison with Brand on her grandfather’s answerphone during a 2008 radio show.
The infamous incident rocked the BBC and prompted Brand and the controller of BBC Radio 2 to quit.
I hope Russell Brand will no longer be able to hurt women, victim tells court – live
Recap: What the court head on the morning of Russell Brand's sentencing
12:53 , Tom BarnesSouthwark Crown Court has heard impact statements and arguments from the prosecution and defence as Justice Joel Bennathan prepares to sentence the disgraced comic this afternoon for rape and sexual assault.
The court heard:
- Victims described Brand as a “sexual predator” with “no remorse” for his actions
- The comedian was “celebrated for is “disgusting” treatment of women, one victim told the court
- The comedian’s fame at the time of the attacks made his victims feel powerless
- Brand’s wife Laura is “sticking by him” following the verdicts
- Prosecutors want Brand to be sentenced as having committed the highest category of harm to his victims
- Victims say they carry the trauma of Brand’s attacks with them every day
- Victims felt the culture at the time of offences meant they couldn’t speak out
- The woman at the centre of the “Sachsgate” scandal has offered a statement to the court in support of Brand
Brand winks at supporters as court breaks for lunch
12:42 , Tom BarnesRussell Brand winked and then nodded at his wife and members of his entourage while crutching a crucifix in his hands as his sentencing hearing was paused for lunch.
Mr Justice Bennathan said he would begin his sentencing remarks at 2pm.
Andrew Sachs’s granddaughter offers statement to court in support of Brand
12:40 , Tom BarnesA woman whose relationship with Russell Brand became the focus of the ‘Sachsgate’ scandal has submitted a statement in support of Russell Brand.
Georgina Baillie, the granddaughter of Fawlty Towers actor Andrew Sachs, was thrust into the spotlight when Brand and Jonathan Ross left lewd messages about her liaison with the comic on her grandfather’s answerphone during a 2008 radio show.
In a written statement read to Southwark Crown Court, Ms Baillie said: “I still choose to support him as a person I know him to be”.
Brand’s barrister Ian Winter KC said Ms Baillie, having been embroiled in the Sachsgate scandal, had “as good a reason as anyone” not to back the comedian.
He urged the judge to take it into consideration, and “not sentence (Brand) as the monster portrayed outside this courtroom”.
Victim of bar assault 'not particularly vulnerable', defence claims
12:31 , Tom BarnesRussell Brand’s barrister said a woman whose breasts were groped by the celebrity at a Soho bar in 2004 was “not particularly vulnerable”.
Mitigating for the disgraced celebrity, Ian Winter KC, told the court: “She was not particularly vulnerable at all.
“Being tipsy is not something that gave rise to vulnerability and there’s no evidence the defendant knew she was tipsy so to be vulnerable.”
Mr Winter said the incident falls at the bottom of culpability under sentencing guidelines as it was a “very, very short incident”.
Brand's wife 'standing by him', defence barrister says
12:31 , Tom BarnesIan Winter KC said Brand’s wife Laura is “standing by him”.
He said: “Words are completely inadequate… to convey the total devastation she’s experiencing.
“They are wrestling with how to explain to a child who’s just turned 10 what has just happened here and the consequences of this conduct to totally innocent people who have been caught up in it.”
Offences a consequence of Brand 'becoming extraordinarily famous', defence claims
12:25 , Tom BarnesRussell Brand’s crimes were connected and the consequence of the level of fame he was acquiring, the court has heard.
His defence barrister Ian Winter KC told Southwark Crown Court that it took place as “he started to become very famous and then extraordinarily famous, and we would invite your lordship to conclude that his behaviour for these offences are connected and the consequence of that level of fame.”
He pointed out that the final offence “happened very shortly after he met Katy Perry”.
Defence says Brand should be seen as 'a man who went too far'
12:23 , Tom BarnesIan Winter KC said the rape incident should only be “regarded as a man who went too far”.
In his submissions, the defence barrister said: “This should be regarded as a man who went too far and overrode consent that had been given.”
He added: “There was no planning, there was no pre-meditation.”
Mr Justice Bennathan interjected and said there had been no suggestion there was any pre-meditation to the rape.
Brand made request for victim to shower before sex because he was recovering alcoholic, defence says
12:21 , Tom BarnesIn written submissions, Mr Ian Winter KC urged the judge to find that Brand did not humiliate or degrade the rape victim by forcing her to shower and brush her teeth before sex.
He argued that Brand had made the requests for a good reason, as he is a recovering alcoholic.
“Whilst plainly unattractive behaviour on the part of Mr Brand, it is not entirely surprising that an ex-alcoholic might prefer not to smell alcohol on an intimate partner’s breath in circumstances where sexual activity was very much expected and intended to follow.”
He urged the judge to find that Brand had been “inconsiderate” by leaving quickly afterwards, to attend a stand-up show he was due to perform, rather than construing this as an aggravating factor intended to degrade the victim.
Brand should be sentenced on basis he abused position of trust, prosecution says
12:19 , Tom BarnesThe prosecution has claimed Russell Brand should be sentenced on the basis that he abused a position of trust.
Prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC said a victim of sexual assault was “degraded and humiliated by the fact the offence was committed at work” and “in the presence of others” who “laughed, watched on and did not intervene – the defendant also laughing when she broke free”.
She added: “We will need to consider whether there was any of an abuse of trust in this case”.
Citing similar examples, Ms Karmy-Jones said: “You need to have a relationship with the parties, similar examples are a taxi driver – the relationship can be very shortlived – and when one takes account Mr Brand’s position at that stage, the reason why he was there, the support he had in that room, there is potentially an abuse of trust under the meaning within the guidelines.”
Brand thought he could commit offences 'with impunity', court told
12:19 , Tom BarnesRussell Brand believed he could commit offences “with impunity” and “abused the influence and power that came with his fame”, the court heard.
In her sentencing note, prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC told the court: “Mr Brand abused the influence and power that came with his fame. He used it to facilitate an access to women without which the offending could not have taken place.
“It also fed his own view that he could commit such offences with impunity.
“This defendant must bear some responsibility for the culture of tolerance that existed around him which enabled his offending to continue for a number of years.”
Prosecutors said his rape conviction alone should result in a sentence of up to 15 years’ imprisonment.
‘Deeply upsetting’ to be labelled an ‘obsessive fan’
12:18 , Amy-Clare MartinBrand’s rape victim has hit out at her portrayal as an “obsessive fan” by Brand’s defence.
“I have also found it upsetting to hear the suggestions that I was merely an obsessive fan,” she said in a victim personal statement read to the court.
“That portrayal does not reflect who I am. I had my own ambitions, goals and aspirations, and it has been deeply hurtful to be labelled in that way.”
Victim praises other women who took part in investigation
12:15 , Tom BarnesRussell Brand’s final victim concluded her statement by saying: “I feel lucky that I am surrounded by wonderful people who have supported me through this process and given me the strength and courage to do it.
“I think of myself as a calm and measured person, but this process has really changed that.
“I am proud of myself for speaking up and I would not change what I did supporting the investigation.
“Although this process has been difficult, I do not want others to be worried about speaking up, because it is the right thing to do.
“I have a huge respect for every woman who took part and I think they are incredible.”
Justice process took a lot out of me, says victim
12:12 , Tom BarnesRussell Brand’s final victim’s statement continued: “I always felt like there was a knot in my chest and I felt sick.
“I felt like I was distracted from being with my family and that I couldn’t focus and put my energy into the places where it should be.
“When I attended court to provide evidence, I was well looked after by the team, but it was very overwhelming.
“Everything happened so quickly and there were so many rules to follow.
“I know that I never want to do anything like that again and it is not a place I would ever want to revisit. I felt like my life was put on hold.
“Standing up and giving evidence in court to a room full of strangers and Russell Brand took me right back to how I felt on the day of the assault.
“It was a hugely distracting and overwhelming process and it took an awful lot out of me.”
Reporting Brand felt like a marathon I hadn't trained for, victim says
12:11 , Tom BarnesRussell Brand’s final victim said the process of reporting the incident “felt like a marathon I had not trained for”.
The statement continued: “Because the investigation took so much out of me and there was so much to juggle, I had to step back from work commitments.
“I never doubted myself, but I doubted the process, which was overwhelming and it really knocked my confidence.
“I did not realise how long and how difficult the process would be and it felt like a marathon I had not trained for.”
'I was worried about whether I would be heard'
12:11 , Tom BarnesRussell Brand’s final victim’s statement continued: “Unboxing the memories and having to face it again after years by reporting it to police and through the process to trial was exceedingly difficult.
“I was so worried about whether I would be supported and heard, because I wasn’t when I first spoke up initially after the assault first happened.
“The whole process was so consuming and took up so much time and head space.
“Through all the calls and people reaching out during the investigation, it meant it was always on my mind.
“I was continually worrying about the effect this would have on myself and my family and what impact it would have on them and whether there would be any safety implications.”
Culture at the time of attack meant I felt I couldn't speak out, victim says
12:09 , Tom BarnesRussell Brand’s final victim said there was a “culture at the time” which meant she felt she should not talk about the incident any more.
The then Channel 4 worker said: “I became more wary of working relationships with people I did not know.
“I feel like I was quite innocent before and this burst that bubble.
“I felt powerless in that moment, and it had a knock-on effect on my confidence because I felt like I had no control on that day and there was nothing I could do about what he did to me.
“Immediately after the incident I spoke up, and sadly it was brushed under the carpet by senior management.
“This really affected me and had something similar happened again at that time, I know I would not have had the confidence to speak up again.
“There was a culture at the time which meant I felt I had to just carry on and not talk about it anymore, which meant I did not give myself time to lament on it, boxed it up and pushed it aside.”
Brand 'opened my eyes up in a bad way', victim says
12:07 , Tom BarnesRussell Brand’s final victim, who was sexually assaulted by the comedian while he was filming for a project in 2009, said the incident “opened my eyes up in a bad way”.
Her statement, also read by prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC, said: “Following the incident with Russell Brand I was really upset.
“I was wary and on my toes about something similar happening again.
“I felt I lost my trust in people and felt that my working environment wasn’t safe.
“From that point onwards I made sure that I wasn’t sitting in a room alone and consciously made sure I had a colleague with me in a professional environment.
“It opened my eyes up in a bad way.”
Rape by Brand affects my day-to-day life, says victim
12:07 , Tom BarnesBrand’s rape victim said she has become “hypervigilant” since the attack.
Her statement continued: “The incident also affected my day-to-day life.
“I became hypervigilant and frequently found myself analysing the behaviour and demeanour of other people.
“I often felt on edge and avoided certain situations.
“There were periods where I increased my alcohol consumption to block out my feelings and memories.
“Although this was an unhealthy coping mechanism, at the time I felt unable to manage the emotional impact in any other way.”
Attack by Brand 'affected my ability to trust others', victim says
12:04 , Tom BarnesBrand’s rape victim said the attack has “affected intimacy”.
The statement read: “The incident has affected my relationships and my ability to trust others.
“I find it much harder to form new friendships and relationships than I did previously.
“I am often suspicious of people and worry about their intentions.
“My experiences have also affected intimacy.
“Certain situations make me feel anxious and uncomfortable, and there are times when changes during intimate contact can trigger feelings of anxiety and loss of control.”
Brand humiliated 21-year-old fan after rape, prosecutor says
12:01 , Tom BarnesRussell Brand subjected a 21-year-old fan he raped in 2009 after meeting her following one of his shows to “degradation and humiliation”, the court head.
Prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC said this included: “Requiring her to shower and brush her teeth and commenting after the offence that she needed to clean up the mess she had made before directing her to wipes.”
Ms Karmy-Jones said the victim was “particularly vulnerable due to her personal circumstances”, the age disparity between the pair when Brand was 33, and her “admiration and idealisation” of the celebrity.
She added that Brand “as a much older man knowingly exploited her by pushing her”.
I carry trauma of attack with me every day, victim says
12:00 , Tom BarnesBrand’s rape victim said she felt “anxious, humiliated and overwhelmed”.
Her statement said: “Following what happened, I felt anxious, humiliated and overwhelmed.
“I struggled to eat and sleep, and I found it difficult to cope with my emotions.
“The impact was so significant that I had to take time away from work, and for a period I returned to live with my parents because I did not feel safe and felt unable to cope on my own.
“I sought help and support because I was struggling with my feelings, and difficulties with sleep have continued over the years.
“Even now, I feel that I am living with the trauma of what happened. It is something I carry with me every day and it often feels never-ending.”
Brand should be sentenced as having committed highest category of harm, prosecution says
11:56 , Tom BarnesRussell Brand should be sentenced as having committed the highest category of harm, the prosecution has submitted to Southwark Crown Court.
Riel Karmy-Jones KC told the court “in terms of harm this is a case where the offence falls into category 1, we submit there has been an extreme impact” caused by a combination of features.
These features included “severe psychological harm”, despite the victim accepting that there were other factors that had an affect on her life beyond Brand.
The harm included her fear of HIV infection “particularly as Mr Brand removed the condom without consent during the course of the anal rape”.
Taking part in case opened old wounds, victim says
11:55 , Tom BarnesBrand’s rape victim’s statement continued to be read as Brand continued to look straight ahead.
It continued: “The investigation and criminal justice process have been extremely difficult.
“Providing personal records and access to my mobile phone felt highly intrusive, and at times I felt as though I was the person being scrutinised and interrogated.
“Every update regarding the case brought back memories of the incident and felt like reopening old wounds.
“Rather than allowing me to move forward, updates often pulled me back into a painful period of my life.
“I have also been very anxious about attending court and being cross-examined.
“The thought of personal details being discussed publicly has caused me significant distress.”
It took a long time for me to feel strong enough to report Brand, rape victim says
11:54 , Tom BarnesRussell Brand’s rape victim’s statement continued: “When I eventually reported what had happened, it was not simply because of the media documentary.
“By that stage I had become aware of the police investigation and felt that I was finally in a stronger position mentally to disclose my experience.
“Reporting what happened was something I had hoped I would eventually be able to do, but it took a long time to reach that point.”
Brand's fame made me feel powerless, rape victim says
11:54 , Tom BarnesRussell Brand’s rape victim’s statement was the next to be read by prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC, with the woman saying: “The defendant’s public profile had a significant impact on me – because of who he was and the influence he held, I did not feel confident speaking openly about what had happened.
“I did not know who I could trust or confide in. I felt that if I reported him, I would not be believed.
“His fame, wealth and influence created a power imbalance which made me feel powerless.
“I did not have the confidence to challenge someone who appeared so powerful, rich and influential.
“His public profile meant that he remained present in my life even when I wanted to move on.
“I would regularly encounter references to him in the media, which made it difficult to escape reminders of what had happened.”
Brand was 'celebrated' for 'disgusting' treatment of women, victim says
11:48 , Amy-Clare MartinOne woman, who Brand groped in a Soho bar in 2004, said Brand was “celebrated” for his “disgusting” treatment of women.
In a victim impact statement delivered in court from behind a screen to protect her anonymity, she said: “For many years as his star was rising it was impossible to escape seeing him all over the media, being celebrated for his disgusting behaviour against women like it was all a joke, there were many times I felt physically sick at the sight of him parading around thinking he can get away with anything.”
The comedian was acquitted of orally raping the same woman later that night.
I hope Brand can't hurt any more women, victim says
11:45 , Tom BarnesContinuing her statement, the woman who was sexually assaulted at Choice FM in 2005 added: “I almost decided to withdraw from the case as I did not think I was strong enough emotionally to proceed with my allegation.”
She concluded her statement by saying: “Russell Brand is a sexual predator who has no remorse for how his behaviour has impacted my life.
“I just hope that he is not allowed to hurt any more women.”
I didn't talk about what happened to me for 20 years, victim says
11:43 , Tom BarnesMs Karmy-Jones continued to read the statement of Brand’s second victim, with Brand continuing to show no emotion in the dock.
The statement continued: “The incident impacted my work when dealing with stories of sexual violence.
“It affected my relationships with some of my male colleagues. Especially during the Me Too movement.”
The woman’s statement continued: “Hearing some refusing to accept that men in the public eye could be guilty of committing such offences left me upset and angry.
“I couldn’t articulate to them that this had happened to me too.”
Her statement said that she was advised to seek therapy for “serious anxiety”.
She added: “This was the period when the allegations against Russell Brand were in the media and being investigated.
“It was the first time in 20 years that I had spoken to anyone about what had happened.”
Breaking: Burnham says women who spoke out against Brand will 'change the system'
11:41 , Tom BarnesWhile Russell Brand’s sentencing hearing continues, Andy Burnham has said the bravery shown by women who came forward to report the comedian will “change the system”.
The prime minister as he vowed to be “relentless” in providing more support for victims.
Seeing Brand on TV made me jump, second victim says
11:38 , Tom BarnesAnother victim of Russell Brand has said his offending “has had a lasting impact on my life even if I thought that I had successfully buried what happened.”
In a victim impact read to Southwark Crown Court, she said: “Since the sexual assault carried out by him in 2005, Russell Brand has managed to move on and even forget.
“This has had a lasting impact on my life even if I thought that I had successfully buried what happened. I had a strong adverse reaction, especially to his voice.”
The incident impacted her work but she “tried for so long to be strong and carry on – business as usual”.
She added: “However, over the years hearing his voice on television, on social media or seeing his image made me jump.”
'A leopard may change its spots, but it's still a leopard', Brand victim says
11:37 , Tom BarnesThe woman who was sexually assaulted by Brand in a Soho bar in 2004 concluded her statement by saying: “I felt like my life was on hold for all of that time waiting my time to speak out about what happened to me.”
She concluded with something she said she had “read the other day”.
The woman told the court: “As they say a leopard may change its spots but at the end of the day it’s still a leopard and not a gazelle.”
Victim tells court she has received death threats from Brand's supporters on social media
11:36 , Tom BarnesThe woman’s statement, which she read as Brand looked straight ahead showing no emotion, continued: “Seeing the front pages of the newspaper talking about what happened to me caused me to have the only panic attack I’ve ever had in my life, it was a truly terrifying experience.
“Even more terrifying was seeing my character be torn apart on social media by people believing all of us women were making it up.
“It was hugely upsetting for myself, my family and friends who wanted to scream at their phones whilst scrolling through.
“There’s been accusations and death threats from manic supporters of him on social media which has installed a genuine fear that my name will somehow get out there and some crazy person will come after me or my family.
“The last three years have been a massive strain on myself and my family navigating this whole procedure, the fear and anticipation of the trial has taken a huge toll on my mental and physical health.”
Brand's wife shakes head as victim impact statement read out to court
11:32 , Tom BarnesBrand’s wife Laura shook her head as the first impact statement from one of her husband’s victims was read out in court.
Brand made me feel like 'damaged goods', victim tells court
11:29 , Tom BarnesThe court first heard a victim impact statement from a woman who was sexually assaulted by Brand in a Soho bar in 2004.
The victim, who delivered her statement live in court from behind a protective curtain, said: “I wanted to express how this crime has affected me over the years.
“When it happened, I was in complete shock and turmoil for weeks trying to process what had happened to me.
“I was extremely upset and traumatised.
“It really affected how I viewed myself, I didn’t have any respect for myself and got into situations with toxic men as I didn’t have any self-worth.
“I literally lost any love for myself for a long time thinking that I was damaged goods.”
The woman continued to deliver her victim impact statement, which read: “For many years as his star was rising it was impossible to escape seeing him all over the media, being celebrated for his disgusting behaviour against women like it was all a joke.
“There were many times I felt visibly sick at the sight of him parading around think he can get away with anything.
“Over the years I tried not to think about it and get on with my life – I had a beautiful daughter who helped me to heal and learn to love myself again and to try and be the best mum in the world for her.”
Court told Brand had previous conviction for cannabis possession in 1995
11:28 , Tom BarnesRussell Brand has a previous conviction for possession of cannabis, Southwark Crown Court has heard.
Prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC said the defendant was fined as a result of the conviction in 1995.
The judge said he would still treat Brand as a man of previous good character.
Brand makes sign of the cross and tells wife 'I love you'
11:21 , Tom BarnesBrand turned to look at his wife Laura, who is sitting in the public gallery directly behind the dock.
He smiled and nodded at her, mouthing “I love you, are you OK”, before crossing himself.
The star appeared to mime writing a letter as he communicated with his wife from inside the dock.
Brand said “it’ll be OK, I don’t know how, but it will” to his wife as he took a long look at his family and associates sitting behind him in the public gallery.
Brand’s wife Laura Gallacher said “oh God” as her husband walked into the dock and then said “I love you” to her husband after he turned around to face her.
The disgraced celebrity mouthed words to his wife from the dock, before identifying himself to the court as the sentencing got under way.
The pair also nodded to each other as the judge outlined how the sentencing would unfold.
One member of Brand’s entourage is holding a Bible with passages highlighted, as they sit behind Brand in rows of the public gallery of Southwark Crown Court.
The phone of one of the women sitting next to Ms Gallacher went off as the sentencing began.
Brand enters dock as sentencing hearing begins
11:14 , Amy-Clare MartinRussell Brand has entered the dock wearing a grey three-piece suit, pale blue shirt and white necktie.
His curly hair is swept up in a half bun. The rapist stood to confirm his identity, answering loudly "yes" when addressed by judge Mr Justice Bennathan.
Brand's wife takes deep breaths before husband arrives in court
11:08 , Tom BarnesBrand’s wife, Laura Brand, is taking deep breaths and holding the hands of two women sitting either side of her in the courtroom as she awaits the arrival of her husband for his sentencing.
Brand’s father Ron Brand, wearing a trilby hat and wool coat, is sitting on the same row as Ms Gallacher.
Brand's family and supporters take seats ahead of sentencing
11:03 , Amy-Clare MartinBrand's family and supporters have taken their seats in court ahead of the hearing.
Laura Brand, 39, appeared wearing blue jeans, a grey-roll neck jumper and navy pinstripe jacket with a brooch on her left lapel.
She is supported members of her husband's entourage, Brand's father and his close protection officer.
Start of Brand's sentencing delayed
10:43 , Tom BarnesThe beginning of Russell Brand’s sentencing has been delayed because court staff have been attempting to organise the courtroom so the convicted rapist, those who have come to support him, and the public gallery cannot see the witness box.
One of Brand’s victims is due to give her victim impact statement live in court, with others expected to be read by the prosecution.
Brand's father arrives at court
10:43 , Tom BarnesRussell Brand’s father, Ron, has arrived at court ahead of his son’s sentencing.
Brand had previously described his father as having a “sporadic presence” in his childhood, but attended his son’s trial on multiple days at Southwark Crown Court.
Prison van carrying Brand arrives at court
10:18 , Tom BarnesA prison van believed to be carrying disgraced comedian and former Hollywood star Russell Brand has arrived at Southwark Crown Court.
A pro-Brand protester carrying a large banner covered in Christian crosses shouted “Russell is the truth, that’s why he’s getting crucified, because he’s outing the media” as the vehicle slowly turned the corner towards Southwark Crown Court’s gate.
Photographers scrambled to try and capture Brand through the small van windows as security ushered it into the court car park.
The same large van was earlier photographed leaving the prison where Brand is being held.
Pictured: Supporters of Brand outside court ahead of sentencing
09:49 , Tom Barnes
Brand's wife arrives at court before sentencing
09:47 , Tom BarnesRussell Brand’s wife, Laura Brand, has arrived at Southwark Crown Court in a minivan ahead of her husband’s sentencing.
A woman held tight to Ms Brand’s shoulders as they walked briskly past the press cameras into the courthouse at about 9.20am.
Ms Brand, wearing sunglasses, a blazer and a polo neck jumper, appeared to turn and give a thumbs up towards a protester shouting in support of her husband.
She did not answer reporters’ questions as she entered the court, accompanied by another woman supporting her.
She muttered “morning” in response to one photographer saying “morning Laura”.
Inside Russell Brand’s courtroom downfall
09:24 , Tom BarnesAfter claiming to be the victim of a media witch-hunt, Russell Brand has been found guilty of rape and sexual assault by a jury who have never seen the explosive documentary which he claims ‘devastated’ his life – and more victims could still come forward, as The Independent’s crime correspondent Amy-Clare Martin reports:
How Russell Brand’s defence unravelled before our eyes
Watch: Russell Brand’s ex who was victim of the ‘Sachsgate’ scandal says comedian ‘needs to tell the truth’
08:50 , Joe MiddletonBrand 'banned from BBC's LA office for exposing himself to a woman'
08:28 , Joe MiddletonRussell Brand was reportedly banned from the BBC’s LA office in 2019 after exposing himself to a woman, according to reports.
The 51-year-old, who will be sentenced later today after being convicted of sexual offences last week, allegedly followed the women , known by the pseudonym “Olivia” into the toilets.
He then allegedly flahed his penis at her in June 2008, as reported by The Times.
Brand later laughed about the incident while recording The Russell Brand Show for Radio 2.
From Katy Perry to drug addiction: What the Russell Brand rape trial jury didn’t hear
08:18 , Joe MiddletonKaty Perry was left out of the prosecution case against Russell Brand, while jurors were also blocked from hearing details of his addictions to alcohol and drugs.
Prosecutors wanted to mention Perry, Brand’s ex-wife, when opening the Southwark Crown Court case against the comedian and podcaster over allegations of rape and sexual assault during 10 years of his showbusiness career.
But the Grammy-nominated singer was removed from lead prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC’s speech after submissions made by Brand’s legal team.
From Katy Perry to drug addiction: What the Russell Brand rape trial jury didn't hear
Court will hear impact statements from Brand's victims
08:07 , Joe MiddletonToday, the judge is expected to hear impact statements from Brand’s victims and legal submissions from the lawyers before passing sentence.
A four-week trial heard how Brand preyed on women that he encountered on his way to becoming one of Britain’s best-known comedians, a lauded TV and radio host, and a Hollywood actor who was briefly married to singer Katy Perry.
He claimed to have only ever had consensual sex during a “promiscuous” life, which he insisted had been packed with “idiocy” but never illegal.
But his victims told a different story, of a famous and powerful man who kissed and groped women within seconds of meeting them, pursued his sexual ambitions relentlessly, and laughed at and gaslit women after the attacks.
Friends and former colleagues of Brand also came forward to give evidence of his ambition to sleep with 5,000 women, an “insane” sexual appetite, and his bad behaviour towards women being “normalised” as he became increasingly famous.
Brand was convicted by the jury of raping a 21-year-old fan in 2009, after meeting her following one of his stand-up shows at the Hammersmith Apollo.
Watch: Vanessa Feltz reveals disturbing sexual remark Russell Brand made about her and her daughters
07:55 , Joe MiddletonRECAP: Russell Brand’s courtroom downfall: From flamboyant showman to convicted rapist
07:48 , Joe MiddletonAfter claiming to be the victim of a media witch-hunt, Russell Brand has been found guilty of rape and sexual assault by a jury who have never seen the explosive documentary which he claims ‘devastated’ his life – and more victims could still come forward, as Amy-Clare Martin reports
Russell Brand’s courtroom downfall: From flamboyant showman to convicted rapist
Abuse ‘still happening today’ in entertainment industry, says Nandy
07:30 , Bryony GoochCrimes like the ones committed by Russell Brand are “probably happening today” in the entertainment industry, the culture secretary Lisa Nandy warned on Sunday.
She also told organisations the government would take action to force them if they did not sign up to protection for whistleblowers.
Ms Nandy told Sky News: “Hands on heart, I don't think we can say that this couldn't happen today. In fact, I would wager that this is probably happening today.
She added: “And I don't think that the industry is doing enough to tackle it. I would urge every organisation that hasn't already signed up to CISA, the industry body that protects whistleblowers, to do so.
Burnham to look at changing rape trials to encourage more women to come forward
07:25 , Bryony GoochAndy Burnham said on Saturday he would look at changing rape trials to encourage more women to come forward and “get the conviction rate up” following the conviction of Russell Brand.
What time does sentencing begin
07:20 , Bryony GoochRussell Brand’s sentencing will begin at 10:30am on Monday at Southwark Crown Court.
Watch: Footage of Russell Brand and Katy Perry reshared after Brand's conviction
07:15 , Bryony GoochWhat charges Brand will be sentenced for?
07:10 , Bryony GoochRussell Brand is set to be sentenced after he was found guilty on Friday of:
- One count of rape
- Three counts of sexual assault
The jury found him guilty of groping another MTV worker during a party at a Soho bar in 2004, but not guilty of going on to rape her in a toilet.
Brand was convicted of kissing and groping a Capital Radio worker after encountering her in a corridor in 2005.
He was found guilty of raping a 21-year-old fan after meeting her at a 2009 stand-up show at the Hammersmith Apollo.
Brand was also convicted by the jury of sexually assaulting a Channel 4 worker in 2009 when she had been forced to give him a massage.
Brand was found not guilty by the jury of raping a woman he met at a cabaret show on the fringes of the 1999 Labour Party conference in Bournemouth.
He was also cleared of trying to drag an MTV worker in to a toilet to indecently assault her in 2001.
Russell Brand’s evangelical reinvention worked in America. It was never going to work here
07:05 , Bryony Gooch
Russell Brand’s evangelical reinvention was never going to work here
Brand faces ‘significant custodial term’
07:00 , Bryony GoochThe judge told Russell Brand on Monday the consequence of the verdicts is a “significant custodial term”.
Mr Justice Bennathan said: “You’ve been convicted of a number of offences including rape.
“The consequence of that is inevitably a significant custodial term.
“My current view is that I therefore have to remand you into custody.”
