Russell Brand sentenced to 10 years, 6 months for rape and sexual assault

British comedian and actor Russell Brand was sentenced Monday to 10 years and six months in prison for raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others as the judge told him he had been a "sexual predator" whose fame had protected him. Brand, 51, showed no emotion as judge Joel Bennathan said he had acted with "staggering arrogance" and shown "contempt" for his victims who had suffered significant and lasting harm. Paying tribute to the "bravery" of the women who came forward, the judge told Brand he had acted "how you liked and when you liked, unhindered by the rules by which decent people live". Read moreBritish comedian Russell Brand found guilty of rape, sexual assault The 51-year-old actor-comedian – known for outrageous stand-up routines and behaviour on television and radio broadcasts, along with drug and alcohol battles – had asserted he was innocent and all his encounters were consensual. But a jury of eight men and four women found him guilty of attacking four of six accusers on allegations dating back to 2004. He was cleared of two counts of rape and one count of attempted indecent assault. To display this content from YouTube, you must enable advertisement tracking...