Russell Brand is a “dangerous offender” who has been brought to justice thanks to the “courage” of his victims, the Metropolitan Police said.

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy said: “Today’s sentence marks a significant milestone in our investigation and means Russell Brand has been held accountable for his crimes.

“My thoughts today are with the women who came forward and made this investigation possible. Reporting sexual offences can be incredibly difficult, and they have shown immense bravery, dignity and resilience throughout what has been a lengthy investigation and challenging trial process.

“The victims have had to revisit deeply traumatic experiences and endure significant public and media attention. I hope today’s outcome provides some measure of closure and allows them to continue rebuilding their lives.

“Their courage in coming forward has not only led to this outcome but may also give confidence to others who have suffered sexual violence to seek help and report what happened to them. I hope they recognise just how powerful their actions have been, and the difference they may make to others.

“From the very beginning, our investigation was never about Russell Brand’s profile, status or celebrity. Our focus has always been on the women who reported these offences and on conducting a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations they made.

“I am incredibly proud of the investigation team, who worked tirelessly to gather evidence, pursue every available line of enquiry and support the victims throughout the process. Working closely with colleagues from the Crown Prosecution Service, they built a case that has ultimately resulted in a dangerous offender being brought to justice.

“Finally, I want to make a direct appeal to anyone who has been a victim of rape or any other sexual offence. We know it can take enormous courage to speak about what has happened to you, no matter how long ago it occurred or who was responsible.

“If you come forward, you will be listened to, supported and treated with care and compassion.”

A statement from Channel 4’s Dispatches programme said the sentencing of Russell Brand was a “powerful demonstration of why investigative journalism matters”.

The shamed comedian first faced allegations he was a sexual predator following a joint investigation by , and .

Louisa Compton, director of news, digital and audience trust, said: “The courage of these women who gave evidence through the criminal justice system and those who trusted our Channel 4 and The Sunday Times/The Times journalists with deeply personal testimony should never be underestimated.

“Today, and throughout the trial, we have heard of the trauma suffered by the women in this case. Above all else, we commend their bravery.

“This case is also a powerful demonstration of why investigative journalism matters. The women who trusted the original Dispatches investigation helped give others the confidence to come forward.

“That is an extraordinary legacy of their decision to speak out. We owe them an enormous debt of gratitude and Channel 4 will continue to back rigorous, fearless public-interest journalism that gives people a voice and holds power to account.”

Two of Russell Brand’s victims have thanked police officers after the disgraced comic was jailed for more than 10 years.

In statements released through the Metropolitan Police, one victim said: “I am grateful to the support from the Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (IVSA), the police team who from the start took my testimony seriously and the prosecution team who have been with me throughout this process. I do not believe that I could have come this far without them.”

A second victim victim said: “I am eternally grateful to the police and prosecution team for their support and for allowing my voice to be heard. I finally feel believed.”

The sentencing judge said women always “retain the right to say no and demand justice in the criminal courts” from sexual predators like Russell Brand.

Mr Justice Bennathan told the court: “Whatever women wear, wherever they go, whatever they drink, they retain the right to say no and demand justice in the criminal courts when sexual predators like you, Mr Brand, act without their consent.”

The judge told Brand “imprisonment will deprive your children of the presence of their father, that sad loss to them however is caused by your serious offending.”

The judge said factors in mitigation for Brand included his lack of previous convictions and that “17 years had passed” since his final offence, and how Brand had lived his life subsequently including helping those “wrestling with addictions”.

Russell Brand’s wife Laura Gallacher was seen breathing deeply and muttering “it’s okay, it’s okay” as a large posse of people ushered her through the corridors of Southwark Crown Court.

Brand showed no emotion as he was jailed for 10 years and six months, but told his wife “we’ll be OK” as he was taken downstairs by the dock officers.

The couple shared a brief conversation before the shamed comedian was taken downstairs.

Russell Brand has been jailed for 10 years and six months.

He will serve at least two thirds of that sentence, Mr Justice Bennathan told Southwark Crown Court.

Russell Brand’s sexual assault on a Channel 4 worker while he was filming a project in 2009 showed his “staggering arrogance and how your entourage indulged your dreadful behaviour”, the sentencing judge has said.

Mr Justice Bennathan added Brand acted “how you liked and when you liked, unhindered by the rules by which decent people live”.

A judge said Russell Brand’s companions thought him sexually assaulting a woman at her workplace was “outrageous, laddish behaviour” only he could get away with.

Discussing his assault on a radio worker in 2005 at her workplace, Mr Justice Bennathan said: “No doubt your companions thought it was outrageous, laddish behaviour that only you could get away with.

“It was outrageous and possibly laddish, but also a criminal offence, and as it turns out you haven’t got away with it.”

The judge said the offence involved the “added humiliation of assaulting her in front of an audience and laughter afterwards”, and he used “violence” in pinning her to the wall.

Mr Justice Bennathan said Brand’s evidence that he had never grabbed a woman’s breasts shortly after meeting them was “one of a series of lies”.

Referring to the evidence given by the shamed comedian in relation to the woman who was sexually assaulted in a bar in Soho in 2004, the judge said: “In light of the jury’s verdicts, that was one of a series of lies you told.”

Mr Justice Bennathan added that Brand had “a casual and arrogant disregard for a woman’s right to say no to you”.