Russell Brand rape trial begins at Southwark Crown Court

Summarised from 4 outlets · 5 reports · Updated 14 Oct, 10:15 · Archive

Russell Brand's trial on rape and sexual assault charges involving six women opened at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday.

Russell Brand faced the opening of his trial at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday, accused of three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault against six women. The allegations cover incidents between 1999 and 2009. Brand arrived at court with his wife Laura Gallacher, a 38-year-old author and illustrator. He told reporters he felt "concerned but hopeful that this process will lead to good outcomes for everybody involved".

A jury of 12 was selected on Monday and Tuesday from an initial pool of 50 prospective jurors. The judge, Mr Justice Joel Bennathan, warned jurors to ignore past reporting about Brand and the allegations and not to carry out any research. The prosecution, led by Riel Karmy-Jones KC, opened its case on Wednesday. Brand is represented by Ian Winter KC.

According to court documents outlined in the opening statements, Brand is accused of groping women and forcing them into sexual acts. The Evening Standard reports that he allegedly raped a woman in a hotel room at a Labour Party conference in Bournemouth, grabbed a television worker's breasts and forced her into a sex act in a toilet, and kissed and groped a radio station worker. None of the complainants can be named for legal reasons, and all are expected to give evidence in person from behind a screen.

The trial is expected to last between six and ten weeks, with the prosecution's case taking approximately four weeks. Brand began his career as a stand-up comedian before presenting Big Brother spin-off shows and becoming one of the biggest names in British comedy in the 2000s, presenting the 2007 Brit Awards and appearing on BBC Radio 2. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

How it is being reported

• Russell Brand 'concerned' as he arrives at London court ahead of rape and sexual assault trial openingThe prosecution are due to open their case against actor and comedian Brand todayEvening Standard · 14 Oct, 09:55
• Who is Laura Gallacher? Russell Brand’s wife sticks by comedian as rape trial beginsLaura Gallacher and Russell Brand pictured hand-in-hand as comedian arrives at Southwark Crown Court for start of rape trialEvening Standard · 14 Oct, 09:43
• Russell Brand trial for rape and sexual assault begins – live updatesRussell Brand back in Southwark Crown Court today where his rape and sexual assault trial is set to begin Russell Brand spoke to the media as he arrived at court this morning, saying he was feeling “concerned but hopeful” , PA reports. He said “Today I feel blessed, I feel of course concerned but hopeful that this process will lead to good outcomes for everybody involved. Continue reading...The Guardian · 14 Oct, 09:37
• Russell Brand arrives at court for opening of rape and sexual assault trialRussell Brand, who denies all charges against him, is set to go on trial today accused of offences against six different women between 1999 and 2009The Mirror · 14 Oct, 09:27
• Russell Brand trial latest: Comedian to face sex offence allegations as court case starts todayRussell Brand is accused of groping women and forcing them into sexual acts, in allegations which date from 1999 to 2009The Independent · 14 Oct, 08:55

In this story: Russell Brand · Laura Gallacher · Southwark Crown Court · Mr Justice Joel Bennathan · Riel Karmy-Jones · Ian Winter · London

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