Russell Brand jury begins deliberations in rape trial

Summarised from 2 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 3 Nov, 18:22 · Archive

A jury has begun considering its verdict in the trial of comedian Russell Brand, accused of rape and sexual assault involving six women.

A jury has begun deliberating the trial of British comedian Russell Brand at Southwark Crown Court. Brand, 51, denies three charges of rape, three of sexual assault and one of attempted indecent assault involving six women with allegations spanning from 1999 to 2009. Judge Joel Bennathan sent the jury of eight men and four women out to deliberate just before 3pm on Tuesday, telling them they must reach a unanimous decision.

Prosecutors told the jury that Brand was a 'sexual predator' who attacked the six women as he rose from stand-up comedy to become a prominent British television figure and Hollywood actor. All six complainants came forward to police after a 2023 documentary was broadcast alongside newspaper articles featuring anonymous allegations from other women not involved in the trial.

Brand's lawyer Ian Winter argued in his closing speech that reporting in the Channel 4 Dispatches documentary and by The Times and The Sunday Times had 'poisoned the well of justice'. He said the women had been 'drawn forth' by the 2023 coverage rather than independently deciding to report their experiences, and contended that consent, if present, made unkind or disrespectful sexual behaviour lawful. The prosecutor countered that the six women 'realised they are not alone' after the documentary came out.

How it is being reported

• UK jury retires to consider verdicts in Brand trialA jury of eight men and four women have begun considering their verdicts in the trial of comedian Russell Brand on charges of rape and sexual assault.Perth Now · 3 Nov, 17:50
• UK jury retires to consider verdicts in Brand trialA jury of eight men and four women have begun considering their verdicts in the trial of comedian Russell Brand on charges of rape and sexual assault.The West Australian · 3 Nov, 17:50
• Brand jury hears misconduct claims 'poisoned the wells'Russell Brand's lawyer has told jurors they are dealing with a "quagmire of doubt and inaccurate recollection" after six women accused the comedian of assaults.The West Australian · 2 Nov, 18:08
• Brand jury hears misconduct claims 'poisoned the wells'Russell Brand's lawyer has told jurors they are dealing with a "quagmire of doubt and inaccurate recollection" after six women accused the comedian of assaults.Perth Now · 2 Nov, 18:08

In this story: Russell Brand · Ian Winter · Riel Karmy-Jones · Joel Bennathan · Katy Perry · Southwark Crown Court · Channel 4 · United Kingdom

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log