LONDON, U.K.: British comedian and actor Russell Brand has been sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison after being found guilty of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others. The offenses took place between 2004 and 2009, when he was one of Britain's best-known television personalities.

The court sentenced Brand, 51, on November 9 at Southwark Crown Court in London. He was convicted on November 5 following a four-week trial. He had denied the charges.

Judge Joel Bennathan said Brand had behaved like a sexual predator who believed his celebrity status allowed him to act without regard for the rights of others.

The judge said Brand acted as though fame let him ignore the rules decent people follow. He also stressed that women had the right to refuse sexual advances, regardless of what they wore, where they went or what they drank.

Brand will serve two-thirds of his sentence in prison before being released on license.

Before being taken to the cells, Brand mouthed the words "I love you" to his wife.

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy of London's Metropolitan Police praised the women who came forward during the investigation. He said they had shown great courage, dignity and strength.

He added that their decision to report the offenses had helped secure the convictions and could encourage other victims of sexual violence to seek support and report their experiences.

The Metropolitan Police have said Brand remains under investigation over two other alleged rapes, including one involving a girl who was 16 at the time. Police Commissioner Mark Rowley said he would not be surprised if more women came forward.

Brand rose to fame as a television presenter known for his outspoken style and flamboyant appearance. He later became a Hollywood actor, appearing in films including Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Get Him to the Greek and Arthur.

He was previously married to U.S. pop singer Katy Perry. In recent years, he moved away from mainstream entertainment.

During the trial, Brand admitted he spent much of his life in what he described as reckless relationships and foolish behavior. However, he maintained that sexual consent was essential and denied ever engaging in non-consensual sex.

The jury found him guilty of one rape charge and three sexual assault charges. He was acquitted of two other rape charges and one charge of attempted indecent assault.

Victims Describe Lasting Trauma

One woman who accused Brand of sexually assaulting her in 2004 and then orally raping her said the experience had caused lasting trauma. Brand was convicted of sexually assaulting her but cleared of the rape allegation.

Giving evidence from behind a screen, she described the shame and self-blame she had carried for more than 20 years.

Another victim, who was raped by Brand in 2009, said in a statement read by prosecutors that the emotional impact of the attack continued to affect her.

She explained that she had not reported the incident at the time because Brand's fame, wealth and influence made her believe she would not be taken seriously.

Police and prosecutors stressed that neither a person's fame nor the passage of time would prevent authorities from investigating serious allegations.

David Roberts of the Crown Prosecution Service said allegations of rape and sexual assault would always be treated seriously, regardless of the accused person's identity or circumstances.