British comedian Russell Brand sentenced to 10.5 years in prison

British comedian Russell Brand was sentenced today (Sunday) to 10 years and six months in prison after being convicted of rape and three counts of sexual assault. As reported by the Jerusalem Post and NOS Nieuws, the judge described Brand as a "sexual predator" and stated that his fame had shielded him from accountability for years.

The crimes took place between 2004 and 2009. During the sentencing hearing, the prosecution read victim impact statements detailing the psychological trauma and the severe long-term consequences of the assaults. Brand has maintained his innocence throughout the legal proceedings. Further details regarding his imprisonment have not yet been released.