Russell Brand appears in London court as rape and sexual assault trial begins

Russell Brand arrived at Southwark Crown Court in central London early on Monday, escorted by security and joined by his wife Laura Gallacher. He faced six accusers who allege he committed three rapes, three sexual assaults and one indecent assault between 1999 and 2009, including a hotel incident at a Labour Party conference in Bournemouth, an assault on a TV worker in a restroom, and a groping episode at a radio station.

Brand entered the building in a grey suit, removed his sunglasses, and was led to a private waiting area with his legal team. He has pleaded not guilty and is currently out on bail. Jury selection is expected to begin later that morning, and the trial could last as long as ten weeks under the oversight of Mr Justice Bennathan.