Sky News cut from an interview with one of Brand’s former coworkers for the news.
Russell Brand is awaiting his sentencing (Image: Getty)
Sky News halted for a bombshell breaking news update on Russell Brand‘s sentencing. The comedian, 51, is awaiting the judge’s sentence after he was found guilty on one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault last week. He has since returned to Southwark Crown Court after spending the weekend at HMP Wandsworth on remand.
After speaking to Brand’s former co-worker, comedian Cole Parker, who branded the star “disgusting” for committing those crimes, the news show then aired an important announcement to viewers.
Katie Spencer announced to viewers that the beginning of Russell Brand’s sentencing has been delayed because court staff have been attempting to organise the courtroom so that the convicted rapist, those who have come to support him, and the public gallery cannot see the witness box.
She said: “Just a bit of news to bring you from inside court, and proceedings have been delayed slightly. They were due to get underway at 10.30, but we understand the delay has been made because court staff are trying to organise the courtroom so that the convicted rapist Russell Brand cannot see the witness box because one of Brand’s victims is due to give her victim impact statement live in court, with others expected to be read by the prosecution.
“So the delay is because the courtroom is being reorganised so Russell Brand does not have a direct line of sight to one of the victims as she reads out her personal impact statement. We’ll have more from Southern Crown Court for you throughout the morning.”
Brand’s wife, Laura, and his dad, Ronald, were both seen arriving at court this morning to attend the sentencing. Laura gave a thumbs-up to reporters as she walked into Southwark Crown Court with a female companion.
The Sun reported that she wasn’t sure whether to attend the sentencing, despite Brand “begging her to come”, as a source said: “Her heart has been smashed into a million pieces over the last 48 hours. She obviously feared the guilty verdict was one that could come. At the moment she’s unsure whether she will be in court for the sentencing.
“Russell has begged her to be there because he’s got no idea how long it will be before he sees her again. But there’s also a part of Laura which is scared about running the gauntlet on Monday and having to face everyone again.”