Russell Brand found guilty of rape and sexual assault

The 51-year-old’s security guard then kissed the pendant around his neck before the jury entered the room.

Brand closed his eyes as he was found guilty of raping a young fan after one of his shows in 2009.

He showed limited emotion as the verdicts were delivered while standing upright in the dock.

Brand was then found not guilty of raping a woman he met at a cabaret show on the fringes of the 1999 Labour Party conference in Bournemouth.

The jury also found him not guilty of trying to drag an MTV worker into a toilet to indecently assault her in 2001.

He has been found guilty of groping another MTV worker during a 2004 party at a bar in Soho. However, he was found not guilty of proceeding to orally rape her in a toilet.

Jurors found Brand guilty of sexually assaulting a Capital Radio worker after encountering her in a corridor in 2005.

Brand was found guilty of sexually assaulting a Channel 4 worker during a forced massage in 2009.

The guilty rape verdict related to a 21-year-old fan he met at a 2009 stand-up show at the Hammersmith Apollo.

After the verdict, Mr Justice Bennathan asked Brand to “sit down”. He proceeded to say: “Mr Winter, Ms Karmy-Jones, just on what happens next given the verdict on count six at least, obviously a custodial sentence of some length will result.”

The judge said to Brand that the consequence of the verdicts is a “significant custodial term”.

Mr Justice Bennathan continued: “You’ve been convicted of a number of offences, including rape.

“The consequence of that is inevitably a significant custodial term.

“My current view is that I therefore have to remand you into custody.”

Brand has also been accused of raping two more women, including a 16-year-old schoolgirl, and could face further criminal charges.

The new allegations were revealed in previous hearings at Southwark Crown Court.

Following the verdict, the Metropolitan Police issued a statement in which it praised the “extraordinary courage, resilience and determination of the women who came forward”, while accusing Brand of using “his influence, status and fame to exploit and sexually offend against women”.

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, from the Metropolitan Police Service, said: “Today’s verdict is first and foremost a testament to the extraordinary courage, resilience and determination of the women who came forward and reported what happened to them.

“Despite intense media and public scrutiny, they relived deeply personal and traumatic experiences, and placed their trust in us. Without their bravery, this outcome would not have been possible.

“Brand used his influence, status and fame to exploit and sexually offend against women. As his profile grew, so too did his sense of entitlement. I hope this conviction sends a clear message that no-one is above the law, no matter how famous or powerful they may be.

“I want to pay tribute to the team of detectives and specialist staff who worked tirelessly on this investigation. Their professionalism, determination and compassion for the victims represent the very best of the Metropolitan Police.

“Finally, I would urge anyone who may have been a victim of rape or serious sexual assault to speak to us. You will be listened to, supported and treated with dignity and respect.”