The British former comedian and actor Russell Brand has been sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison for raping a woman and sexually assaulting three more.

Handing down the sentence Monday at Southwark Crown Court in London, judge Joel Bennathan said, "These crimes are far too serious for anything but immediate custody."

He said Brand had displayed a "casual and arrogant disregard" to women who said 'No' to him. "About 20 years ago, Russell Brand, you were becoming famous," Bennathan said. "You were clever — and in many people's eyes, funny and charismatic. You had also become a sexual predator."

Brand was supported in court by his wife, Laura Gallacher, and his father, Ron. He is expected to serve at least two-thirds of that sentence before being eligible for release.

Brand was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault on Nov. 5. He was acquitted of two rape cou...