Russell Brand sentenced to more than ten years in prison

British actor and former comedian Russell Brand has been sentenced to ten and a half years in prison for rape and sexual assault. This was announced by the judge at London's Southwark Crown Court.

Brand had already been found guilty by the jury on Thursday and was then immediately taken into custody because he was a flight risk. Now the sentence has been announced.

“You became famous 20 years ago, Russell Brand, you were smart and in the eyes of many people you were funny and charismatic,” said judge Joel Bennathan, addressing the 51-year-old. He added: "You also became a sexual aggressor."

He wanted to “pay tribute to the determination and courage of all those women whose statements I have reproduced here.” Brand took advantage of his fame and showed “astonishing arrogance” and contempt for his victims.

According to the conviction, the former TV and stage star sexually assaulted a then 21-year-old female fan in 2009 after a performance in a theater in London. The three sexual assault cases took place between 2004 and 2009, at the height of his popularity. He was acquitted of other charges, including additional rape allegations.

British media followed the trial for weeks, in which the women affected vividly described the attacks. One victim reported that she “lost all love for herself” after the attack. When she saw Brand in the press, she felt “physically sick.” The ex-comedian was celebrated in the media "for his disgusting behavior towards women" - "as if it were all just a joke."

Brand himself had always denied the allegations. In court, the 51-year-old only admitted that he used to be obsessed with sex. However, the sex was always consensual. Brand's lawyer Ian Winter said in his plea that it was "not a criminal offense to treat women unkindly before, during or after sex."

The public prosecutor's office had accused the actor of serious character deficiencies from the start, describing him as unscrupulous and manipulative. Brand "abused the influence and power that came with his fame," prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones said in her closing statement.

Brand became known in the 2000s for his often provocative appearances as a stand-up comedian and as a radio and television presenter on the BBC and MTV. He performed like a rock star. With roles in films such as "Never Have Sex With Your Ex Again" (2008), he made the leap into international cinema. He also made headlines for his turbulent marriage to pop star Katy Perry, which broke up after just 14 months, or for his drug consumption, which was often described as excessive.

Last week, shortly after the guilty verdict was announced, new allegations against the ex-comedian emerged. London's Met Police are investigating allegations of rape by two women. Brand has already been questioned about the allegations. "I wouldn't be surprised if many, many more came forward," London police chief Mark Rowley told the BBC on Friday.