Judge brands Russell Brand a 'sexual predator' in 10.5-year sentence
British comedian Russell Brand has been sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison after being convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. Judge Joel Bennathan described Brand as a 'sexual predator' whose fame allowed him to act with 'staggering arrogance.' The sentence, handed down at Southwark Crown Court, follows a four-week trial where Brand was acquitted of two additional rape charges. While UK outlets emphasize the systemic failure of media employers to protect victims, US commentator Megyn Kelly condemned the sentence as an 'outrage' and part of a 'political witch hunt.'