Russell Brand faces rape and sexual assault charges as trial testimony unfolds

At Southwark Crown Court, six women have given evidence alleging that Russell Brand raped or sexually assaulted them between 1999 and 2009, including incidents in a hotel room, an MTV office toilet, a Soho bar, a radio studio, his Hampstead home, and during a forced massage. Brand, now 51, has entered pleas of not guilty to three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one indecent assault. Prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC noted that Brand provided prepared statements to police, while his barrister Ian Winter KC challenged the timing of some allegations.

The prosecution is expected to conclude early next week, after which Brand’s defence will present its case. His wife, Laura Gallacher, has been present throughout the trial.