Russell Brand is convicted of rape, and judge says he'll get a prison term

LONDON (AP) — Russell Brand was convicted Thursday of rape and sexual assault charges involving four women on allegations dating back more than 20 years.Judge Joel Bennathan said the British actor-comedian faces a “significant” prison term when he is sentenced Monday. Brand had been free, but the judge rejected a bail request because of the possibility he might flee and he was taken into custody.“I regret the hardship caused to the children, of course,” the judge said. “But the hardship has been caused by serious criminal offending by their father.”Brand was a ruthless, calculating, manipulative “sexual predator," prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones said at trial.Brand, 51, 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.He was convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. He was acquitted of two rape counts and one count of attempted indecent assaul