Russell Brand is facing a new police investigation after multiple abuse allegations emerged, following the comedian and actor’s jailing for more than ten years over sexual offences.
Police have received “multiple reports” of sexual abuse since the 51-year-old was convicted of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others.
Former girlfriend Jemima Goldsmith, 52, came forward last night, accusing Brand of “violence, coercive control and abuse”. She said she was so frightened after a “violent incident” in 2014 that she called police to remove him from her £15 million Cotswolds home.
Brand showed no emotion in court yesterday as a judge said he had used his celebrity status to prey on women, believing that “fame meant you could act how you liked, when you liked, unhindered by the rules by which decent people live”.
Sitting in the dock, Brand blinked in apparent disbelief as he was told he must serve at least seven years of a 10-and-a-half-year sentence for attacks on four women between 2004 and 2009.
His wife, Laura Gallacher, visibly broke down in the public gallery, falling forward in her seat as she fought back tears. Before Brand was taken to the cells, he mouthed, “I love you, we’ll be OK,” while Gallacher looked up at him, placed her hand against the glass dock and whispered, “I love you.”
Moments later, the mother-of-three left court with her red-rimmed eyes concealed behind sunglasses, facing difficult questions about her decision to stand by the convicted rapist.
When Brand was taken from Southwark Crown Court in a prison van a short time later, members of the public banged on its windows. One man shouted: “Not so funny now, Russell, are you?”
Russell Brand is facing a new investigation into abuse claims after the “staggeringly arrogant” sexual predator was jailed for more than ten years yesterday
Jemima Goldsmith has accused convicted rapist Russell Brand of “violence, coercive control and abuse” after it emerged that she and the disgraced comedian had gagged a massage therapist for more than a decade. The pair are pictured together in 2013
Brand showed no emotion in court as the judge said he had exploited his celebrity status to prey on women, believing that “fame meant you could act how you liked, when you liked, unhindered by the rules by which decent people live”
Brand now faces the possibility of a second trial as police examine a series of new allegations. Prosecutors are expected to decide within weeks whether to charge him with two additional alleged rapes, including an alleged attack on a 16-year-old.
Mr Justice Bennathan said yesterday that Brand had shown a “casual arrogant disregard to any woman’s right to say no to you”. Addressing him, the judge said: “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 condemned Brand’s “staggering arrogance” and his belief that his “status protected” him, particularly after he attacked journalists when allegations against him were first reported in 2023. He also criticised Brand’s entourage for enabling “dreadful behaviour” after assaults allegedly took place in front of staff who either laughed or failed to act.
Mr Justice Bennathan praised the victims for their “determination and bravery”. He said: “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.”
The judge also rejected rape myths after Brand’s defence barrister faced criticism for listing stereotypes and suggesting the victims were less credible because they had not screamed, kicked or slapped him more forcefully.
He 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.”
Brand’s barrister, Ian Winter KC, was paid about £1 million to defend him, legal sources told the Daily Mail. The fraud specialist was brought in after several leading female barristers reportedly declined to represent Brand.
However, the decision attracted further controversy after Mr Winter launched a foul-mouthed tirade at the journalist whose investigation exposed Brand. Following the verdict, he told her that she had “f*****” justice, prompting a probe by the Bar Standards Board.
Laura Gallacher, centre, fought back tears as she left court on Monday holding hands with a friend
Brand appeared with his wife at Southwark Crown Court last Thursday, hours before he was convicted
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Members of the public shouted abuse at a security van believed to be carrying Brand as it left court, banging on its side. One man yelled: “Not so funny now, Russell.”
Hi, I’m Alex Matthews, Editor of The Crime Desk.
Russell Brand has been convicted of rape and three sexual assaults, while our reporters Caroline Cheetham and Liz Hull attended every day of the trial. They spoke to Detective Inspector Laura Nelson, who explained why the women who accused Brand in the widely reported documentary were not involved in his rape trial.
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Andy Burnham has promised to review the law, saying he will be “relentless in making whatever improvements” are needed to provide greater support for victims. In court, Mr Winter claimed Brand had been unfairly portrayed as a “monster”, arguing that he should instead be viewed as a man who experienced a “short, momentary total failure” to respect a woman’s consent.
Despite Brand’s rape conviction, Mr Winter raised eyebrows in court by saying his client should be sentenced “not in the way that he has been portrayed over the last four days [as someone] who is, in general terms, a rapist”. He said Brand’s wife, Laura, the sister of television presenter Kirsty Gallacher and daughter of Ryder Cup-winning golfer Bernard Gallacher, was devastated and struggling to explain the truth to their children.
He said: “I’m afraid words are completely inadequate to truly try to convey to your Lordship the total devastation she’s experiencing. Currently (they) are wrestling with how to exactly explain to a child who’s just turned ten what has happened here.”
Hi, I’m Alex Matthews, Editor of The Crime Desk.
Russell Brand has been convicted of rape and three sexual assaults, while our reporters Caroline Cheetham and Liz Hull attended every day of the trial. They spoke to Detective Inspector Laura Nelson, who explained why the women who accused Brand in the widely reported documentary were not involved in his rape trial.
Brand will serve two-thirds of his prison sentence before being released on licence.
He is expected to consult lawyers about an appeal, although legal sources say the jury’s mixed verdicts could make it difficult to persuade appeal judges.
Brand was convicted of rape and three sexual assaults but acquitted of two further rape charges and an attempted indecent assault.
One source said: “In a way it would have been easier for Winter if there had been a clean sweep of guilty verdicts, at least then he could have argued that Brand did not get a fair trial because of the Channel 4 Dispatches and Sunday Times investigation.
“The mixed verdicts show the jury reached their verdicts on the facts, regardless of the media attention, which makes an appeal very tricky.”
After the sentencing, Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy urged any other victims to come forward.
He said: “I want to make a direct appeal to anyone who has been a victim of rape or any other sexual offence.
“We know it can take enormous courage to speak about what has happened to you, no matter how long ago it occurred or who was responsible.
“If you come forward, you will be listened to, supported and treated with care and compassion.”
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