Russell Brand sentenced to 10.5 years in jail

Russell Brand has been sentenced to 10 and a half years in jail after being found guilty of rape and sexual assault.

The 51-year-old comedian returned to Southwark Crown Court this morning to hear the extent of his sentencing following on from a verdict last week that found him guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.

Delivering his verdict, Mr Justice Bennathan gave a concurrent sentence for the three sexual assaults, followed by a consecutive sentence for the rape, totalling 10 years and 6 months.

Brand will be released on licence after serving two-thirds of his sentence, meaning that as things stand he will be released in November 2033.

In his remarks, Bennathan described Brand as a “predator” and said that his “casual arrogance” had enabled his behaviour.

Police are currently investigating two further investigations of rape against Brand, while Met Police chief Sir Mark Rowley said last week that he “wouldn’t be surprised” if more potential victims came forward.

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.