Overview
- A jury at Southwark Crown Court found Brand guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault, and the judge remanded him to custody ahead of a sentencing hearing on Monday.
- Police have submitted files on two additional allegations, one said to involve a 16-year-old at the time, and Metropolitan Police leaders told broadcasters they would not be surprised if more victims reported abuse.
- Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who led the inquiry, said the investigation remains live and that Brand’s former fame and influence made him able to exploit women during the 2000s.
- Reports from multiple outlets said Brand spent his first night in custody frightened and under close watch, and prison services are assessing his placement before a longer sentence is imposed.
- The case has renewed scrutiny of media employers who worked with Brand after a 2023 journalistic probe prompted victims to come forward and has prompted calls for judicial directions to juries on rape myths to reduce victim blaming.