Russell Brand convicted of rape and three sexual assaults in London

Russell Brand faced seven criminal charges: three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of attempted indecent assault. He denied them all, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The trial at London's Southwark Crown Court involved about three weeks of evidence and argument, Global News reported. Before the verdicts, BBC News reported that Brand had pleaded not guilty to every charge.

On November 2, the defence made its closing arguments. Brand's barrister argued that earlier allegations about his sexual conduct had "poisoned the wells" of justice, according to Top Stories. That was the defence's argument, not a finding by the court.

On November 3, the jury began considering its verdicts, BBC News reported. The seven charges required decisions on separate allegations, rather than a single verdict covering the whole case.

Judge Joel Bennathan told jurors at Southwark Crown Court that they must reach a unanimous decision, according to Global News.

On November 4, The Independent examined the possible punishment if Brand were convicted. It reported that rape carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, while actual custodial sentences vary widely.

Coverage published on November 5 reported the verdicts. Variety Movies said Brand was convicted of one rape and three sexual assaults, and acquitted of two other rape charges and attempted indecent assault. Sydney Morning Herald also reported four convictions and three acquittals.

The case has moved beyond deliberations: Brand has been found guilty on four of the seven charges. The Independent confirmed the convictions for one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault at Southwark Crown Court.

The coverage conflicts on the day the verdicts were delivered. Variety Movies says Wednesday, while Vg says Thursday. Both reports were published on November 5. The supplied coverage does not resolve that discrepancy.

The outstanding question is sentencing. The supplied reports give no sentencing date or sentence imposed. The life maximum reported by The Independent is a legal ceiling for rape, not a prediction of the punishment Brand will receive.