Darts star Gerwyn Price sparks backlash after appearing to back Russell Brand with post claiming there was 'zero evidence' against rapist after he was jailed for 10½-year term

Darts player Gerwyn Price has drawn criticism after sharing a social media post which appeared to support convicted rapist Russell Brand. The 41-year-old, ranked fourth in the world, shared a picture on Facebook suggesting there was 'zero evidence' against Brand, who was last Thursday found guilty by a jury at Southwark Crown Court in London of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.The post compared Brand's sentence to 21-year-old Hamoud Al Soaimi, who was given a two-year suspended sentence for three counts of sexual assault and one assault by penetration of a 13-year-old in 2024.Al Soaimi was 15 when he committed the offences between 2018 and 2019, and was handed a more lenient sentence compared to his co-defendants due to how the sentencing guidelines handle offenders under the age of 18.The co-defendants in the same Newcastle grooming gang case, Omar Badreddin, Mohamad Badreddin and Huzaefa Alaboud, were sentenced to immediate prison terms of 18 years, 13 years and five-and-a-half years respectively.The post shared by Price placed Al Soaimi's picture next to Brand's. Under Al Soaimi's name it read: 'Convicted of three sexual assaults and one count of assault by penetration of a child under 13. Price shared a picture on his Facebook which suggested there was 'zero evidence' against convicted rapist Russell Brand (source: Facebook/Gerwyn Price) Price has drawn criticism for the post which appeared to omit fundamental legal context Brand was sentenced on Monday for the rape of a fan at his home in Hampstead, north London, in 2009 when she was 21, and for the sexual assault of three other women'He received a two-year prison sentence suspended for two years, plus 180 hours unpaid work.'Beneath Brand's photo, the post stated: 'Three counts of "sexual assault" and one count of "(grape emoji)" of a fan who had a threesome with him three days prior. 0 evidence. 17-22 years later.'In the comments, Price wrote: 'Not saying anyone is innocent just highlighting the two tier justice system we have to deal with.' One social media user addressed the 'omitted legal context' in the comments, highlighting that the 'graphic omits that Al Soaimi was 15 years old when he committed the offences'. Others appeared to criticise the suggestion that Brand was not guilty.It isn't the first time that Price has posted about Brand, sharing a photo of his television showing the Channel 4 Dispatches investigation when it first aired in 2023 with the caption 'speaking up on certain topics, now this'.The former darts world champion has also used his social media to collar support for Reform UK, as well as claiming support for the party was surging across Wales.In one post earlier this year, Price wrote: 'The amount of people I know that are voting Reform is unbelievable, first time I’ve ever voted in my life as well… if they don’t win there’s definitely something fishy.'Brand was sentenced on Monday for the rape of a fan at his home in Hampstead, north London, in 2009 when she was 21, and for the sexual assault of three other women, one in a bar and two in the workplace.Police have received 'multiple reports' of sexual abuse since the disgraced 51-year-old comedian and actor was convicted, it can now also be revealed.Former girlfriend Jemima Goldsmith, 52, is the latest to come forward, accusing Brand of 'violence, coercive control and abuse'. She said she was so terrified after a 'violent incident' in 2014 that she called police to remove him from her £15million Cotswolds mansion. Price shared a photo of his television showing the Channel 4 Dispatches investigation when it first aired in 2023 (source: Instagram/gerwynpriceiceiceman180) Two people held a banner outside Southwark Crown Court which appeared to compare Brand with the crucifixion of Jesus ChristBrand now faces the prospect of a second trial as police sift through a raft of new claims, and prosecutors are expected to decide within weeks whether to charge him with two further alleged rapes, including an attack on a 16-year-old.On Monday Mr Justice Bennathan said Brand had harboured a 'casual arrogant disregard to any woman's right to say no to you', telling him: 'About 20 years ago, Russell Brand, you were becoming famous, you were clever, and in many people's eyes you were funny and charismatic. You had also become a sexual predator.'The judge blasted Brand's 'staggering arrogance' and belief that his 'status protected' him after he resorted to smearing journalists when they first exposed his attacks in 2023. He also criticised Brand's entourage for indulging 'dreadful behaviour' after assaults took place in front of staff who laughed or did nothing.He paid tribute to the 'determination and bravery' of the victims. 'All those women had to face being confronted and being told they had lied, or twisted the truth and, or, they had agreed to your sexual demands: that was all done because of you, on your instructions,' he said.Mr Justice Bennathan made a point of condemning rape myths after Brand's defence barrister came under fire for reeling off a series of stereotypes, suggesting the victims should not be believed because they did not scream more, kick or slap him.The judge said: 'Whatever women wear, wherever they go, indeed whatever they drink, they retain the right to say no and to demand justice from the criminal courts when sexual predators like you, Russell Brand, act without their consent.'