Russell Brand's father says son is 'victim' after sentencing

Ron Brand made the remarks outside Southwark Crown Court on Monday after his son was convicted of raping a fan and sexually assaulting three TV and radio workers during his rise to fame.

Asked whether he had a message for the victims, Mr Brand replied: "The victims, what victims? What, Russell?

"The girls, you mean, who chased him and who harassed him, is that what you mean?"

Russell Brand's father, Ron Brand, outside Southwark Crown Court (Image: Jordan Pettitt/Press Association)

When told his son was convicted by a jury, Mr Brand dismissed the verdict.

He said: "I don’t care. It’s the system.

"I don’t believe it on the basis of what I’ve just watched."

He also questioned the influence of social media on the case, suggesting it could have biased the jury.

Mr Brand said: "See, we’ve got social media.

"It’s easy to find the right jury.

"Go on Facebook and see the sort of things they are saying about Russell.

"Are you saying you couldn’t go on social media and look at what people are saying, and find people who are attacking Russell Brand?

"Are you saying that?"

The comedian showed no emotion as he was sentenced but assured his wife, Laura Gallacher, that "we’ll be OK" as he was led away.

Court artist drawing by Elizabeth Cook of Russell Brand hearing his sentencing (Image: Elizabeth Cook/Press Association)

Asked how his son would cope with prison, Mr Brand replied: "Yeah, he’s strong, he’s strong."

He also said Ms Gallacher would remain resilient, adding: "She’s strong as well."

During the sentencing, a member of Brand’s entourage was seen holding a Bible open to Exodus 14, which recounts Moses and the crossing of the Red Sea.

Ron Brand sat behind his son in the public gallery as the comedian was convicted of raping a fan and sexually assaulting three TV and radio workers.

He received nine years for rape, plus concurrent sentences of nine, 18 and eight months for the three sexual assaults.

Brand was cleared of two other rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault.

The Metropolitan Police has also confirmed that Brand is under investigation over two additional rape allegations.