Russell Brand’s father questions jury after prison sentence

Ron Brand defended his son, Russell Brand, after the comedian was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison, questioning the justice system and suggesting the jury could have been corrupt or influenced by negative social-media posts. Ron Brand offered no evidence of jury misconduct.

The sentence followed Russell Brand’s conviction at Southwark Crown Court on one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault involving four women. The jury acquitted him of two other rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault. Brand has denied having nonconsensual sex.

Speaking to reporters after sentencing, Ron Brand said he did not believe in the justice system. Asked whether he thought the jury was corrupt, he said it was possible and questioned whether jurors might have been affected by negative posts about his son online. The suggestion was an allegation by Ron Brand, not a finding by the court.

When asked about the women who testified, Ron Brand referred to them as girls who had chased and harassed his son. Asked how Russell Brand would cope in prison, he said his son was strong. He also said his daughter-in-law, Laura Gallacher, was strong.