Russell Brand is a ‘sexual predator who has no remorse’, says victim

Russell Brand is a “sexual predator who has no remorse”, one of the disgraced celebrity’s victims told his sentencing.Southwark Crown Court heard statements from Brand’s victims on Monday morning, as they detailed how his offending affected their lives, before Mr Justice Bennathan passes sentence on the comedian.A woman who was sexually assaulted by Brand in a Soho bar in 2004 said she was left in “complete shock and turmoil” and “extremely upset and traumatised” by the attack.The woman, who delivered her statement live in court from behind a protective curtain, said on Monday: “For many years, as his star was rising, it was impossible to escape seeing him all over the media, being celebrated for his disgusting behaviour against women like it was all a joke.Read More“There were many times I felt visibly sick at the sight of him parading around thinking he can get away with anything.”The woman’s statement, which she read as Brand looked straight ahead showing no emotion, continued: “Even more terrifying was seeing my character be torn apart on social media by people believing all of us women were making it up.“There’s been accusations and death threats from manic supporters of him on social media which has installed a genuine fear that my name will somehow get out there and some crazy person will come after me or my family.”A radio worker, who was sexually assaulted by Brand in 2005, told the court that she almost withdrew her allegation over the emotional strain of being at the centre of a criminal case.Russell Brand is to be sentenced for rape and sexual assault (James Manning/PA)PA WireSince the sexual assault carried out by him in 2005, Russell Brand has managed to move on and even forget.“I just hope that he is not allowed to hurt any more women.”The woman added: “Since the sexual assault carried out by him in 2005, Russell Brand has managed to move on and even forget.“However, over the years hearing his voice on television, on social media or seeing his image made me jump.“This has had a lasting impact on my life even if I thought that I had successfully buried what happened. I had a strong adverse reaction, especially to his voice.“I almost decided to withdraw from the case as I did not think I was strong enough emotionally to proceed with my allegation.”The statement of Brand’s rape victim was the next to be read by prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC, with the woman saying his public profile and influence meant she “did not feel confident speaking openly about what had happened”.The woman said the attack made her feel “anxious, humiliated and overwhelmed”.She added: “I did not know who I could trust or confide in. I felt that if I reported him, I would not be believed.“His fame, wealth and influence created a power imbalance which made me feel powerless.“I did not have the confidence to challenge someone who appeared so powerful, rich and influential.”The disgraced celebrity continued to look straight ahead as the woman’s statement continued: “The investigation and criminal justice process have been extremely difficult.“Providing personal records and access to my mobile phone felt highly intrusive and, at times, I felt as though I was the person being scrutinised and interrogated.She added: “I have also found it upsetting (over) the suggestions that I was merely an obsessive fan.“That portrayal does not reflect who I am. I had my own ambitions, goals and aspirations, and it has been deeply hurtful to be labelled in that way.”The woman concluded: “Even now, I feel that I am living with the trauma of what happened. It is something I carry with me every day and it often feels never-ending.”Brand’s final victim, who was sexually assaulted by the comedian while he was filming for a project in 2009, said there was a “culture at the time” which meant she felt she should not talk about the incident.The then-Channel 4 worker said: “Immediately after the incident I spoke up, and sadly it was brushed under the carpet by senior management.“This really affected me and had something similar happened again at that time, I know I would not have had the confidence to speak up again.“There was a culture at the time which meant I felt I had to just carry on and not talk about it anymore.”