A sentencing hearing for Russell Brand is underway at Southwark Crown Court in London, where prosecutors are seeking a 10 to 15 year prison term for rape and sexual assault convictions. Prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC called for a serious category one sentence, arguing Brand abused his position and degraded and humiliated his victims.
Karmy-Jones told the judge that Brand held the view he could abuse without impunity and must bear responsibility for the culture around him that enabled his offending for years. She read victim impact statements from three women, all describing debilitating impacts on their relationships, careers, self-worth, and daily lives. One woman delivered her statement in person, saying she had carried an undeserved feeling of shame for 20 years. All victims said they still carried the trauma and described the stressful experience of going to court.
Brand's defense lawyer, Ian Winter KC, argued Brand is a fundamentally changed man and that the crimes, which occurred 17 years ago, were isolated incidents. Winter described the rape as a short and momentary failure of consent and said any major sentence would have a catastrophic impact on Brand's young family, urging the judge to show mercy. Winter pointed to Brand's rehabilitation and religious care efforts in recent years, calling him a fundamentally different person today.
Judge Joel Bennathan adjourned the court to consider his sentencing decision and said he will return at 2 p.m. to deliver his remarks, which will be televised. For the other sexual assault offenses, the prosecution has asked for custodial sentences of one to four years for each count. Brand's wife, father, and security guard are in the public gallery.