UK papers focus on Russell Brand conviction and Wall Street tech sell-off

British newspapers lead on Russell Brand’s conviction for rape and sexual assault, with several front pages focusing on the prospect of a prison sentence. The Daily Mirror uses the headline “Justice”, while the Independent describes Brand as “Predatory”, in a roundup by BBC News.

Brand was convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault against four women after a trial at Southwark Crown Court. He was acquitted of two other rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault. He denied the charges and was remanded in custody; the judge said he would receive a significant prison sentence on 9 November. Read our report on the verdict.

The BBC roundup also notes the Daily Telegraph’s report that Brand’s conviction has renewed pressure on broadcasters over their handling of stars. A BBC spokesperson said there could be “no place for the abuse of power” and called for people who report abuse to be taken seriously.

The Financial Times leads on a steep fall in technology shares, amid investor concerns that Democratic victories in US midterm races could slow investment in artificial intelligence. The BBC says the FT reported that the “tech-centred Nasdaq market” was down as much as 6.4 per cent. However, it does not specify the index or comparison period behind that figure.

The Nasdaq Composite fell 5.5% to 24,315 at Thursday’s close, the Associated Press reported. The S&P 500 dropped 4.4% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 3.4% that day.