British comedian Russell Brand sentenced to 10 years and 6 months in prison for sexual assault

British actor and comedian Russell Brand (51), who was accused of sexual assault, was sentenced to 10 years and 6 months in prison.

Brand, who had previously been found guilty by a jury at Southwark Crown Court in London on charges of sexually assaulting one woman and sexually assaulting three other women, was sentenced to prison at a sentencing hearing held on the 9th (local time).

Judge Joel Bennathan said, "The defendant arrogantly ignored a woman's right to say 'no' and believed that fame enabled him to do whatever he wanted," and criticized him, saying, "The defendant became famous for 20 years, but then became a sexual exploiter."

According to prosecutors, Brand's crimes occurred between 2004 and 2009, and the victims were fans or broadcast workers. Prosecutors believed that Brand used his influence and reputation to exploit women and commit sexual crimes.

Brand has maintained his innocence, but the jury returned a guilty verdict on the 5th.

Brand began his career as a stand-up comedian and appeared in movies such as 'Rock of Ages', 'Minions', and 'Despicable Me'.

He was married to American pop star Katy Perry, then divorced, and had three children with Laura Gallacher, whom he married in 2017.

Gallacher supported her husband during the trial, and foreign media reported that after the sentencing, Brand was seen saying to his wife, "We're going to be okay."