British actor and comedian Russell Brand outside court during his trial. ( Reuters: Hannah McKay )
British comedian and actor Russell Brand faces a "significant" jail sentence after being found guilty in a London court of rape and sexual assault.
The 51-year-old had been on trial in Southwark Crown Court on three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of attempted indecent assault relating to six women in the United Kingdom between 1999 and 2009.
After deliberating for eight and a half hours, a jury found Brand guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.
Brand was found not guilty on two other counts of rape and one count of attempted indecent assault.
The comedian had pleaded not guilty to the offences.
Judge Joel Bennathan revoked Brand's bail, because the rape verdict would mean "inevitably a significant custodial sentence".
London's Metropolitan Police said the verdict was "a testament to the extraordinary courage, resilience and determination of the women who came forward and reported what happened to them".
"Brand used his influence, status and fame to exploit and sexually offend against women," Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy said in a statement.
"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."
