By Jack
The verdict is in — and Russell Brand is now facing a prison term.
A London jury found the British actor and comedian guilty Thursday of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.
Mr Justice Joel Bennathan told Brand that a “significant” prison sentence is coming. Sentencing is scheduled for Monday.
Brand was denied bail and taken into custody after the verdict.
ABC News reported the breaking decision:
The case involved seven charges tied to six women and alleged conduct spanning years.
Jurors convicted Brand on four counts involving four women. They acquitted him of two other rape counts and one count of attempted indecent assault.
The split verdict matters: jurors acquitted Brand on three charges while convicting him of rape and three separate sexual assaults.
The Associated Press reported that the 12-person jury, made up of eight men and four women, deliberated for more than eight hours over two days before returning its verdicts at Southwark Crown Court.
The AP said the convictions concern allegations dating back more than 20 years. Brand had been free on bail during the trial, but the judge ordered him into custody after warning that the rape conviction and other guilty verdicts would bring a substantial custodial sentence.
The report also quoted Metropolitan Police Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who credited the women who came forward and said Brand had used his fame and influence to exploit women as his public profile grew.