Seven biggest moments from Russell Brand sentencing as convicted rapist jailed for 10-and-a-half years

Russell Brand has been jailed for 10-and-a-half years for rape and sexual assault by a judge who condemned him as a “sexual predator” whose “entourage indulged your dreadful behaviour”.The court heard harrowing accounts from his victims, including one woman who described feeling like “damaged goods” and another who said Brand’s fame and influence had left her feeling “powerless”.Outside court, his father Ron Brand sparked controversy by questioning the victims, while members of the public shouted abuse at a departing prison van.Brand was found guilty on Thursday, November 5, of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault after standing trial on seven charges: three of rape, three of sexual assault and one of attempted indecent assault. He was acquitted of three counts.According to the Sentencing Council, Brand is likely to serve two-thirds of his sentence in custody before being released on licence, where he will be required to follow specific conditions, such as wearing a tag. His sentence is not included in the new early release scheme.Russell Brand as he is sentenced to 10.5 years imprisonmentPAHere are seven of the biggest moments from Brand’s sentencing.Judge brands Brand a ‘sexual predator’ as he hands down 10-and-a-half-year sentenceMr Justice Bennathan delivered a damning assessment of Brand's behaviour as he sentenced the former comedian, telling him he had become a “sexual predator” at the height of his rise to fame.“About 20 years ago, Russell Brand, you were becoming famous You were clever – and in many people’s eyes, funny and charismatic. You had also become a sexual predator,” the judge said at the start of sentencing.He accused Brand of telling a “series of lies” and showing “contempt” for his sexual partners, describing his attitude as one of “staggering arrogance”.Read MoreThe judge also criticised those around the comedian, telling him: “your entourage indulged your dreadful behaviour”.Brand showed no emotion as the 10-year-and-six-month sentence was handed down.But as dock officers prepared to take him downstairs, he turned to his wife and told her “we’ll be OK”.The couple shared a brief conversation before Brand was led away.Brand tells wife ‘it’ll be OK, I don’t know how’ in courtroom exchangeAs he entered the dock, the comedian took a long look towards those gathered to support him and reassured his wife: “it’ll be OK, I don’t know how, but it will”.Laura Gallacher, the wife of British comedian and actor Russell Brand, leaves the court building after the sentencing of British comedian and TV star Russell BrandAFP/GettyGallacher responded “oh God” as her husband walked into the dock, before telling him “I love you” when he turned to face her.Brand continued mouthing words to his wife before identifying himself to the court as proceedings got under way.The pair also exchanged nods as Mr Justice Bennathan outlined how the sentencing hearing would unfold.Brave victim tells court she felt like ‘damaged goods’ after sexual assaultOne of the most powerful moments of the hearing came as a woman sexually assaulted by Brand in a Soho bar in 2004 described the lasting impact of his actions on her life.Delivering her victim impact statement live from behind a protective curtain, she told the court how the assault had shattered her self-worth and affected her relationships for years.“I wanted to express how this crime has affected me over the years.“When it happened, I was in complete shock and turmoil for weeks trying to process what had happened to me.“I was extremely upset and traumatised.“It really affected how I viewed myself, I didn’t have any respect for myself and got into situations with toxic men as I didn’t have any self-worth.“I literally lost any love for myself for a long time thinking that I was damaged goods.”She also described the distress of watching Brand become increasingly famous while his behaviour towards women was celebrated in public.“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.“There were many times I felt visibly sick at the sight of him parading around thinking he can get away with anything.“Over the years I tried not to think about it and get on with my life – I had a beautiful daughter who helped me to heal and learn to love myself again and to try and be the best mum in the world for her.”The woman told the court that waiting to speak publicly about her ordeal had also taken a toll.“I felt like my life was on hold for all of that time waiting my time to speak out about what happened to me.”She ended her statement with a saying she told the court she had “read the other day”.“As they say a leopard may change its spots but at the end of the day it’s still a leopard and not a gazelle.”Rape victim says Brand’s fame and influence left her feeling ‘powerless’Another woman told the court that Brand's celebrity status had made her afraid to speak out about being raped, fearing she would not be believed if she reported him.In a victim impact statement read aloud by prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC, the woman described how his wealth, fame and influence had created an imbalance of power.“The defendant’s public profile had a significant impact on me – because of who he was and the influence he held, I did not feel confident speaking openly about what had happened.“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.“His public profile meant that he remained present in my life even when I wanted to move on.”The woman also revealed how the rape had continued to affect her ability to trust others and form relationships, including intimacy.“The incident has affected my relationships and my ability to trust others.“I find it much harder to form new friendships and relationships than I did previously.“I am often suspicious of people and worry about their intentions.“My experiences have also affected intimacy.“Certain situations make me feel anxious and uncomfortable, and there are times when changes during intimate contact can trigger feelings of anxiety and loss of control.”Defence argues Brand was a ‘man who went too far’ during rapeBrand's defence barrister Ian Winter KC argued that the rape should be viewed as an incident in which the comedian had gone beyond consent already given.Making submissions to the court, Mr Winter said: “This should be regarded as a man who went too far and overrode consent that had been given.”He also argued that the offence had not been planned.“There was no planning, there was no pre-meditation,” he told the court.Mr Justice Bennathan interjected, pointing out that there had been no suggestion the rape involved premeditation.Brand’s father clashes with reporter as he questions victims outside courtOutside Southwark Crown Court, Brand's father Ron Brand sparked an angry exchange with a reporter as he criticised the decision to jail his son.Asked whether he had a message for the victims, Brand Snr appeared to question who the victims were.“The victims, what victims? What, Russell?” he responded.Ronald Brand leaving Southwark Crown Court after his son’s sentencingAFP/GettyThe reporter clarified: “Not Russell, the victims.”But Brand Snr replied: “The girls you mean who chased and harassed him.”When the reporter pointed out that his son had been convicted by a jury, saying “He was convicted by a jury,” Brand Snr responded: “I don’t care.”‘Not so funny now Russell, are you?’ shouted as prison van leaves courtThere were further dramatic scenes outside Southwark Crown Court following the sentencing, as members of the public shouted abuse towards a departing prison van.A prison van believed to be carrying Russell Brand leaves after the sentencing hearing GettySome banged on the vehicle as it left the court, while photographers ran after it in the belief that Brand may have been inside.It remains unclear whether the comedian was travelling in that particular van.As it drove away, one man shouted: “Not so funny now Russell, are you?”