Russell Brand held at Wandsworth after rape conviction

The Sun reported that Brand, 51, underwent medical checks and a strip-search before being given a prison tracksuit. He slept on a thin mattress in a cell measuring 9.8ft by 6.7ft and was served cereal or porridge, fruit and tea for breakfast, according to the newspaper. A source quoted by The Sun described him as “petrified” and said the first night in custody would be “a massive shock to the system.” The source added that Brand would be monitored around the clock.

The jury reached its unanimous verdict after more than eight hours of deliberations following a three-week trial. Brand was acquitted of two other rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault. Judge Joel Bennathan denied bail, saying the convictions meant a “significant custodial term” was inevitable, and remanded Brand into custody. His wife, Laura Gallacher, watched from the public gallery, according to The Blast.

London’s Metropolitan Police said a separate investigation into two further rape complaints remains active. Its Operation Actinolite team has sent files to the Crown Prosecution Service, the force said. A lead detective said investigators’ work was not finished and that they would support people who came forward.

Brand’s father, Ron, told reporters he had not expected the verdict. The defense had argued that Brand sought “approval and adoration” from women and believed encounters were consensual. Brand is due back in court for sentencing on Monday.