Russell Brand convicted of rape and sexual assault charges

LONDON (NBC, KYMA) - Actor-comedian Russell Brand was convicted Thursday of rape and sexual assault charges on allegations dating back more than 20 years.

A prosecutor said Brand was a ruthless, calculating, manipulative "sexual predator."

Brand denied the charges and testified that he was obsessed with sex as a young man and once led a promiscuous life, but had never forced anyone to do something against their will.

Brand was convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. He was also acquitted of two rape counts and one count of attempted indecent assault.

The jury of eight men and four women in Southwark Crown Court deliberated more than eight hours over two days.

Known for risqué stand-up routines and battles with drugs and alcohol, Brand rose to prominence in the early 2000s, hosting television programs and his own BBC radio show.

He appeared in Hollywood films including "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and "Get Him to the Greek" and was briefly married to pop star Katy Perry.

In recent years, he has moved away from mainstream media, relocated to Florida and built a large online following with videos mixing wellness, conspiracy theories and discussions of his religious devotion.