British comedian Russell Brand found guilty of rape, sexual assault

British ​comedian and ​actor Russell Brand was found guilty ​in ‌a ⁠London court ‌on Thursday of rape ⁠and sexual assault related to allegations dating back more than 20 years. Brand, once one ​of ‌Britain's most high-profile broadcasters and the ‌former husband ​of US singer Katy Perry, had ​denied the accusations, ​saying ​the incidents had ​either been consensual, reinvented or re-imagined. Read moreJury deliberating in Russell Brand's UK rape trial Presiding Judge Joel Bennathan said Brand would face a "significant custodial term". A prosecutor described Brand as a ruthless, calculating, manipulative “sexual predator”. Brand, who is 51-years-old, denied the charges and testified that he was obsessed with sex as a young man and once led a promiscuous life, but had never forced anyone to do something against their will. Brand was convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. He was acquitted of two rape counts and one count of attempted indecent assault. Brand closed his eyes but showed no emotion as the jury delivered the verdicts, noted a report by AFP. (FRANCE 24 with Reuters, AP and AFP)