Russell Brand on trial in London for rape and sexual assault charges

Comedian Russell Brand appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Monday for the start of his trial on seven charges relating to six women. The trial is expected to last 10 to 12 weeks.

Russell Brand faces rape and sexual assault trial at Southwark Crown Court

Comedian Russell Brand arrived at Southwark Crown Court in London on Monday for the opening of his trial on charges of rape and sexual assault, NBC News reports.

Brand, 50, was flanked by security guards and accompanied by his wife, Laura Gallacher, as he entered the court for proceedings expected to last 10 to 12 weeks.

Brand, now 51, has pleaded not guilty to three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. The charges relate to six women and are alleged to have taken place between 1999 and 2009. He has remained free on bail ahead of the trial.

Prosecutors stated at earlier hearings that Brand is accused of raping a woman in a hotel room during a Labour Party conference, grabbing a television worker's breasts and forcing her into a sex act in a toilet, and kissing and groping a radio station worker.

Brand rose to prominence in the early 2000s as a stand-up comedian known for risqué material and public struggles with drugs and alcohol. He hosted television programmes, presented his own BBC radio show and appeared in films including Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him to the Greek.

In recent years Brand has stepped away from mainstream media, relocated to Florida and cultivated a substantial online following through videos combining wellness content, conspiracy theories and discussions of his religious beliefs.

Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)