Comedian Russell Brand jailed for 10 years and 6 months for rape, sexual assault

Once a celebrated comedian and Hollywood actor, Russell Brand now faces a lengthy prison sentence following convictions over sexual offences. But the verdict may not be the end of his legal troubles.Russell Brand faces 10.5 years in jail after conviction in rape, assault caseBritish comedian and actor Russell Brand, once one of the country's most prominent broadcasters and a Hollywood star, was sentenced to 10-and-a-half years in prison on Monday after being convicted of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others nearly two decades ago.The 51-year-old was convicted on Thursday of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others in incidents that took place between 2004 and 2009. Brand had denied all the charges.Appearing in the dock at London's Southwark Crown Court, Brand was sentenced by Judge Joel Bennathan, who described him as a predator who believed "fame meant you could act how you liked, when you liked".One of the victims, whom Brand anally raped in 2009, described the lasting impact of the attack in a statement read out by prosecutors before sentencing. The woman said the trauma was "something I carry with me every day and it often feels never-ending".BRAND'S LAWYER SAYS HE IS A 'DIFFERENT PERSON'Brand's lawyer, Ian Winter, argued that his client had changed significantly since the offences. Winter said Brand, who has spoken publicly about recovering from alcohol and drug addiction and embracing Christianity, was "a fundamentally different person today and has been for a very long time".Brand, the former husband of US pop star Katy Perry, had moved away from mainstream entertainment in recent years. He previously starred in Hollywood films including 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall', 'Get Him to the Greek' and 'Arthur'.He had consistently denied ever engaging in non-consensual sexual activity.POLICE PROBE TWO MORE ALLEGED RAPESThe criminal case is not the only investigation involving Brand. London's Metropolitan Police has said he is being investigated over two other alleged rapes, one of which involves a girl who was 16 at the time.The head of the Metropolitan Police said on Friday that he "wouldn't be surprised if many more came forward", raising the possibility of further allegations against the comedian.Brand was acquitted of two other rape charges and one charge of attempted indecent assault in the case.- Ends