Russell Brand Convicted of Rape and Sexual Assault in London

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British comedian and actor Russell Brand was convicted Thursday of rape and three counts of sexual assault at Southwark Crown Court, but acquitted of two rape charges and one attempted indecent assault charge.

The verdicts: A jury of eight men and four women found Brand guilty of raping a 21-year-old fan he met at a 2009 stand-up show, and sexually assaulting three women in 2004, 2005 and 2009.

The trial: The three-week trial, which began Oct. 12, involved allegations from six women spanning 1999 to 2009, during Brand’s rise as a stand-up comedian and TV presenter.

The allegations: Prosecutors described Brand as a “ruthless, calculating, manipulative” sexual predator who used his fame to pressure women into sex, sometimes within seconds of meeting them.

His defense: Brand denied all charges, testifying that he was once “obsessed” with sex but insisting every encounter was consensual. His lawyers argued the accusations were invented or “re-imagined.”

What’s next: Judge Joel Bennathan said a “custodial sentence of some length” would follow, with sentencing set for Monday, Nov. 9. Brand was remanded in custody after the verdict.

Brand, 51, known for films including Get Him to the Greek and Arthur and his former marriage to singer Katy Perry, said the accusations had had a “devastating” impact on his life.