Actor and comedian Russell Brand has been sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison after being convicted of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others.

Russell Brand, 51, was sentenced Monday to 10 1/2 years in prison at Southwark Crown Court. A jury found the actor and comedian guilty of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others between 2004 and 2009. Judge Joel Bennathan described Brand as a sexual predator who displayed a casual and arrogant disregard for women's rights.

Sentencing Details and Mitigation

The total sentence of 10 years and six months comprises nine years for the rape conviction, along with consecutive terms of 18 months, nine months, and eight months for the three sexual assault counts. While Judge Bennathan noted that Brand's 'good character' would not typically justify a reduction, he applied a one-year mitigation for the rape sentence, citing the 17 years since Brand's last offense and his work assisting those with addictions. Brand is expected to serve two-thirds of his sentence in prison and will not be eligible for the early release scheme.

Courtroom Proceedings

During the trial, the court heard victim impact statements from the women who testified against Brand. One victim described years of shock and turmoil, while another noted the lasting impact of the 2005 assault. Judge Bennathan praised the bravery of the women who testified, noting they had to endure being told they were lying during the trial. Brand, who maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, was acquitted of two other rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault.