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Russell Brand arrives at court for start of rape trial
Confirmed
In Short: Russell Brand, the 51-year-old comedian and actor, arrived at Southwark Crown Court on Monday for the start of his trial on charges of rape and sexual assault.
Russell Brand, the 51-year-old comedian and actor, arrived at Southwark Crown Court on Monday for the start of his trial on charges of rape and sexual assault. The BBC (United Kingdom) and Extra.ie (Ireland) reported that Brand arrived wearing a navy suit and sunglasses, accompanied by his wife Laura Gallacher.
The trial, which could last up to 10 weeks, began with the process of jury selection on Monday morning. The BBC (United Kingdom) and Extra.ie (Ireland) both reported that Brand faces several charges of rape and sexual assault against six women, alleged to have occurred between 1999 and 2009.
Brand pleaded not guilty to the charges during pre-trial hearings. The BBC (United Kingdom) and Extra.ie (Ireland) confirmed that he is charged with three counts of rape, three charges of sexual assault, and one allegation of indecent assault.
The BBC (United Kingdom) and Extra.ie (Ireland) reported that Brand arrived at the court with a large media presence. The BBC (United Kingdom) noted that he was flanked by security guards.
Brand rose to fame as a stand-up comedian and became a household name hosting TV shows such as Big Brother's Big Mouth and radio programs on BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music. The BBC (United Kingdom) and Extra.ie (Ireland) detailed his career progression.
The BBC (United Kingdom) and Extra.ie (Ireland) reported that prosecutors have detailed accusations including rape at a hotel and assault on a TV worker. Brand is also accused of grabbing a TV worker’s breasts and forcing her into a sex act in a toilet, and kissing and groping a radio station worker.
Brand’s trial is being presided over by High Court judge Mr Justice Bennathan, with proceedings scheduled to begin at 9.30am. The BBC (United Kingdom) and Extra.ie (Ireland) confirmed the start of the jury selection process.
Brand’s career took off after he began presenting Big Brother spin-off shows for Channel 4, and he later hosted major events such as the Brit Awards and Comic Relief. The BBC (United Kingdom) and Extra.ie (Ireland) highlighted his rise to fame.
Brand bought a £3.3 million thatched cottage near Henley-on-Thames in 2016, where he lives with his wife and their children. The BBC (United Kingdom) and Extra.ie (Ireland) noted his personal life.
Brand’s trial is expected to focus on jury selection and other administrative matters on the first day, with the Crown Prosecution Service expected to start making its case from Tuesday at the earliest. The BBC (United Kingdom) and Extra.ie (Ireland) reported on the trial’s schedule.
Brand wore a navy suit and sunglasses, which he took off as he walked past the assembled press cameras at the court entrance. The BBC (United Kingdom) and Extra.ie (Ireland) provided details of his attire.
Brand and his legal team were then ushered into a private room, close to the courtroom where his trial will take place. The BBC (United Kingdom) and Extra.ie (Ireland) reported on his arrival procedures.
Background
Russell Brand, the 51-year-old comedian and actor, arrived at Southwark Crown Court on Monday for the start of his trial on charges of rape and sexual assault.
What's confirmed
- Russell Brand arrived at court on Monday for the start of his trial wearing a navy suit and sunglasses Russell Brand has arrived at court for the start of his rape and sexual assault trial.
- The trial at Southwark Crown Court, which could last up to 10 weeks, is expected to begin with the process of jury selection on Monday morning.
- The 51-year-old comedian and actor is facing several charges of rape and sexual assault against six women, which are alleged to have occurred between 1999 and 2009.
- The comedian and actor arrived at court wearing a navy suit and sunglasses, accompanied by his wife Laura.
- Brand went on to establish a Hollywood career, starring in films including Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him To The Greek.
- Brand pleaded not guilty to the charges during pre-trial hearings.
- He has been charged with three counts of rape, three charges of sexual assault and one allegation of indecent assault.
- Prosecutors have said at previous hearings that Brand is accused of raping a woman in a hotel room at a Labour Party conference, grabbing a TV worker’s breasts and forcing her into a sex act in a toilet, and kissing and groping a radio station worker.
- Comedian and actor Russell Brand arrives at Southwark Crown Court where he is charged with counts of rape and sexual assault against six women, which he has denied, in London, Monday, Oct.
- Brand, 51, has pleaded not guilty to three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one count of indecent assault.
- Brand was flanked by security guards and accompanied by his wife, Laura Gallacher, as he arrived at Southwark Crown Court for the first day of a trial that is expected to last 10 to 12 weeks.
- He was joined by his wife, Laura Gallacher, an author who shares three children with Brand.
What's still developing
- Known for his risque comedy and past battles with addiction, Brand was a major star in the early 2000s.
- The alleged offences are said to have taken place between 1999 and 2009.
- Born in 1975 to working-class parents in Essex, east of London, Brand began his stand-up career as a teenager, eventually working as an MTV presenter and host of a reality TV series.