Broadcaster, comedian, and podcaster Russell Brand has appeared at Southwark Crown Court this morning for the opening of his trial on multiple counts of rape and sexual assault.
Brand, 51, appeared before High Court judge Mr Justice Bennathan as proceedings began with jury selection. The trial is scheduled to sit for up to ten weeks to hear evidence concerning alleged offending against six women between 1999 and 2009.
The Crown Prosecution Service has brought seven charges against Brand, comprising three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one count of indecent assault under historical criminal legislation.
During pre-trial hearings, prosecutors outlined that the allegations include the rape of a woman in a hotel room during a Labour Party conference held in Bournemouth, an incident in which Brand allegedly grabbed a television worker’s breasts and forced her to perform a sexual act inside a toilet, and an assault involving the non-consensual kissing and groping of a radio station employee.
Brand entered formal not guilty pleas to all charges during earlier administrative hearings. He remains on bail while the evidence is presented to the jury.
Under the provisions of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992 and Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, all complainants in cases concerning alleged sexual offences are protected by automatic, lifelong statutory anonymity. Disclosing, publishing, or broadcasting any identifying details, names, addresses, places of employment, or photographs capable of leading to the public identification of protected individuals is strictly prohibited under UK law.
Brand faces the following counts on indictment:
- Three counts of rape
- Three counts of sexual assault
- One count of indecent assault
The trial continues at Southwark Crown Court.
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