Russell Brand convicted of rape and sexual assault, with sentencing next

The case against British comedian and actor Russell Brand concerned allegations dating back more than 20 years. He faced three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of attempted indecent assault, according to ABC Top Stories.

The allegations brought to trial spanned 1999 to 2009, Deutsche Welle reported. The offences for which he was ultimately convicted involved four women between 2005 and 2009, according to Euronews. Those are different time frames: one covers the wider case, the other the convictions.

Brand pleaded not guilty to all seven charges, ABC Top Stories reported. He denied ever forcing anyone to do something against their will, according to NPR News.

The London trial lasted four weeks, according to The Conversation. The jury at Southwark Crown Court then deliberated for two days, Infobae reported.

On November 5, the jury found Brand guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. He was acquitted of three other charges, according to The Conversation. CBC Top Stories identified two of the acquittals as rape counts.

The convictions concerned offences at different locations, including a radio station, a DVD recording set and Brand's home, according to News18.

After the verdict, Brand was held in custody, Analitika reported. Judge Joel Bennathan said he would receive a prison term when sentenced on Monday, according to the South China Morning Post.

As of November 6, Brand has been convicted but has not yet been sentenced. The judge has warned him to expect a "significant custodial term," Sky News reported.

The criminal investigation is not over. Brand is under investigation over two further rape allegations, and the lead detective has urged other potential victims to come forward, according to the Guardian. Those allegations are separate from the four offences established by the jury's verdict.

Police have also released recordings of detectives questioning Brand about rape and sexual assault allegations, The Independent reported on November 6.

Sentencing on Monday is the next scheduled court decision. Bar Council chair Kirsty Brimelow estimated a prison term of between six and nine years, according to TMZ, but that is an assessment, not the judge's sentence.

The other open question is whether the continuing police investigation will lead to further charges. The Guardian reported that two further rape allegations remain under investigation; the supplied reporting does not establish an outcome.