Russell Brand is sentenced to 10 1/2 years in British prison for rape and sexual assault

LONDON (AP) — Russell Brand was sentenced Monday to 10½ years in prison for raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others during a time when his bawdy behavior was indulged and celebrated during his rise to stardom.Judge Joel Bennathan denounced Brand's “casual and arrogant disregard” for any woman who said no to him, and castigated him for the series of lies he told in testimony denying assaults that dated to 2004.“About 20 years ago, Russell Brand, you were becoming famous,” Bennathan said. “You were clever — and in many people’s eyes, funny and charismatic. You had also become a sexual predator.”Brand showed little emotion during the stinging rebuke. He turned to mouth the words “we'll be OK” to his wife after he stood up and was led away by court officers after the hearing.The 51-year-old actor-comedian, known for outrageous stand-up routines and provocative behavior on television and radio broadcasts, as well as battles with drugs and alcohol, had maintained his innocence