Russell Brand's 10-year prison sentence for rape is 'lower than the average', expert claims

Russell Brand's ten-year, six-month sentence for rape and sexual assault is lower than average, a leading solicitor has said today.Brand, 51, was today told he would serve nine years in prison for a single count of rape, plus a further 18 months for three counts of sexual assault.The disgraced comedian and actor is expected to serve two thirds of his sentence before being released on licence.Brand is now expected to be moved to a prison for sex offenders, having waved goodbye to his wife Laura Gallacher at court earlier today, mouthing towards her: 'I love you.'She visibly crumpled in the gallery, falling forward in her seat as the judge handed down the sentence, and later fought back tears as she left court, holding hands with a friend.And Brand's father slammed his victims for coming forward, claiming they 'chased' his son. He added he 'didn't care' that his son has been found guilty of rape and sexual assault.But lawyer Marcus Johnstone, managing director of PCD Solicitors, has today highlighted how the sentence is less than the average term given for a count of rape.Mr Johnstone said: 'I was predicting that Mr Brand would be looking at around 9 years in prison, so his overall sentence is slightly higher than I was expecting. Russell Brand, 51, was today told he would serve nine years in prison for a single count of rape, plus a further 18 months for three counts of sexual assault Brand with his wife at Southwark Crown Court last Thursday, hours before he was convicted 'Interestingly, however, it is slightly less than the average sentence for rape last year of 10 years and 7 months despite incorporating the months Brand must serve for the sexual assault offences too.'At Southwark Crown Court today, it was heard how the sex predator believed he could commit offences 'with impunity' and abused the fame, influence and power he wielded to satisfy his 'voracious' and violent appetite for gratification.Jailing him, Mr Justice Bennathan told Brand he had become a dangerous 'sexual predator' after finding fame, blasting his 'staggering arrogance' and 'contempt' for women in his life 'unburdened by the rules of decent people'.'You were clever and, in many people's eyes, funny and charismatic. You had also become a sexual predator,' he said.He added that Brand had 'a casual and arrogant disregard for a woman's right to say no to you', adding: 'Fame meant you thought you could act how you like, when you like.'Last week, Brand was convicted of raping a young woman until she bled and attacking three female strangers, in some cases within seconds of meeting them at the height of his fame.Referring to Brand's rape victim, Mr Justice Bennathan said: 'If anyone still needs any demonstration of your contempt for your casual sexual partners, you stored her number under 'T' for tart. 'You invited her to your house a few days later, put on a condom at her request and had vaginal sex to which she consented. You then flipped her over, removed the condom and, without asking, forced your penis into her anus, causing her great pain.'She asked you to stop, then asked you again loudly. You replied, and I quote: 'I want you to feel my c**'. You ejaculated, she was distraught and in severe pain, and the bed was heavily soiled.Laura (centre) fought back tears as she left court, holding hands with a friend Some members of the public yelled abuse at a security van thought to be holding Brand as it left the court, banging on its side... with one man shouting: 'Not so funny now Russell'We speak to the detective who brought down Russell BrandHi, I'm Alex Matthews, Editor of The Crime Desk.Russell Brand has been found guilty of rape and three sexual assaults - and our reporters Caroline Cheetham and Liz Hull were in court every day to witness it all. They sat down with Detective Inspector Laura Nelson who revealed why the women who accused him in the infamous documentary were not involved in his rape trial. Subscribe to The Crime Desk to listen to the podcast. 'You told her it was her mess and made her try to clear it up. Thereafter, you got up, got ready and went to work.'The sentencing judge said women always 'retain the right to say no and demand justice in the criminal courts' from sexual predators like Brand.He said he took into account some mitigating factors for Brand, which amounted to his sentence for rape being one year shorter than it would otherwise have been.The judge said factors in mitigation for Brand included his lack of previous convictions and that '17 years had passed' since his final offence, and how Brand had lived his life subsequently including helping those 'wrestling with addictions'. But he added that the gravity of the offending meant that the 18-month sentence for sexual assault would be served consecutively, rather than concurrently.In all, Brand was sentenced to nine years for rape, 18 months for one count of sexual assault, nine months for a second count of sexual assault, and eight months for the third.One victim said after the sentencing: 'I am eternally grateful to the police and prosecution team for their support and for allowing my voice to be heard. 'I finally feel believed.' Brand's barrister had earlier insisted his client was 'fundamentally a different person' now and questioned the vulnerability of some of the women he abused.Mr Justice Bennathan stepped in and said: 'To say 'He got away with it for 17 years' is not necessarily a huge piece of mitigation, is it?' His barrister, Ian Winter KC, has already referred himself to the regulator over a reported outburst last week after his client was convicted.He is said to have exploded at journalist Ros Urwin, who helped expose Brand, and told her: 'You f***ed it.' In a moving statement, another victim told the judge: 'A leopard may change its spots, but it's still a leopard.'Mr Johnstone said that after his eventual release from prison, Brand will be required to register as a sex offender for an indefinite period.He added that despite the fact Brand 'was enabled, to varying degrees, in his offending' by other individuals 'in several major organisations', it is 'extremely unlikely' any such enabler will be prosecuted. Brand is said to have been petrified and left cowering in his cell after three nights in HMP Wandsworth. He is expected to be moved to a prison specialising in male sex offenders, with HMP Littlehey, HMP Whatton and HMP Rye Hill among the possible destinations.And this could be far from the end for the disgraced comedian: the Met has previously said more victims could come forward.The CPS is also currently considering whether to bring further charges, including two alleged rapes, one involving a 16-year-old girl.How did Russell Brand become a predator? What comes next? Get exclusive insight from The Crime Desk as we talk to police, psychologists, lawyers and more. Sign-up by clicking here.