Russell Brand has been convicted of rape and sexual assault

LONDON (AP) — Russell Brand was convicted Thursday of rape and sexual assault charges on allegations dating back more than 20 years. Judge Joel Bennathan said Brand faces a “significant” prison term when he is sentenced Monday. He had been free on bail but was taken into custody. A prosecutor said the British actor-comedian was a ruthless, calculating, manipulative “sexual predator.” Brand, 51, denied the charges and testified that he was obsessed with sex as a young man and once led a promiscuous life but had never forced anyone to do something against their will. He was convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault involving four women. He was acquitted of two rape counts and one count of attempted indecent assault. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy of London’s Metropolitan Police said the conviction was “a testament to the extraordinary courage, resilience and determination of the women who came forward and reported what happened to them.” “B