Russell Brand was a ‘sexual predator’, prosecution alleges as rape trial begins
Russell Brand rape trial begins at Southwark Crown Court
Ninoda.com – Prosecutors have alleged that Russell Brand was a sexual predator as his trial began in London. The actor and comedian, 51, denies all allegations and has pleaded not guilty to charges involving six women.
The case is being heard at Southwark Crown Court and concerns allegations said to date from 1999 to 2009. Brand faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault.
Prosecution sets out its case
Riel Karmy-Jones KC, for the prosecution, told jurors that the six complainants did not know each other and came forward separately. Brand’s wife, Laura, was present in court on the first day of the trial.
The prosecution described Russell Brand as a sexual predator and alleged that he could be charming when it suited him but behaved differently when seeking sexual contact. Jurors were told the prosecution case is that he acted as though his own wishes should be met regardless of the woman involved.
“His desire, strong desire, for some form of sexual contact was indiscriminate and voracious.”
Prosecutors said Brand could appear unconcerned after alleged encounters, sometimes leaving quickly, giving an excuse to depart or behaving as though nothing had happened.
Allegations heard by the jury
The first complainant is alleged to have met Brand at a Labour Party conference in 1999, before he became widely known. Prosecutors say he later raped her. When questioned by police, Brand said that if an incident had occurred, he could not remember it; he also said he had never taken part in non-consensual activity.
A second complainant, who worked at MTV, alleges she was indecently assaulted after offering to show Brand where the toilets were. The prosecution says he asked her to come inside and seized her forearm. She is said to have pulled away and struggled.
“Please please come in – oh go on.”
A third woman alleges that Brand orally raped her in a toilet after meeting her at a party in 2004. Prosecutors say he grabbed and squeezed her breasts, pulled her towards the toilets and later exposed himself while they were travelling by car. The court heard that she refused his request to perform a sexual act.
Further claims concern 2004 to 2009
A fourth complainant alleges that Brand assaulted her at Capital Radio in either 2004 or 2005. The prosecution says he pushed her against a wall, kissed her aggressively and grabbed parts of her body before she pushed him away.
The fifth complainant is alleged to have met Brand while he was performing at London’s Hammersmith Apollo in 2009. Prosecutors say the pair initially had consensual contact, but that he later raped her anally. The court heard that she later sent him a message saying he had treated her “like an animal”; the prosecution says Brand replied, “I’m sorry.”
A sixth complainant has accused Brand of sexual assault. The prosecution’s opening case included an allegation that he demanded a massage from her.
What happens next in the UK trial?
The trial is at an early stage, with the prosecution presenting the evidence it says supports the charges. The defence will have the opportunity to challenge that evidence, and the jury will decide the case after hearing the proceedings in full.
Russell Brand was a sexual predator is an allegation made by the prosecution, not a finding of fact. Brand is presumed innocent unless and until a jury reaches a guilty verdict.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the trial being heard? The proceedings are taking place at Southwark Crown Court in London.
What charges does Brand deny? He denies three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault.
Has the jury reached a verdict? No. The trial has begun, and the jury has not yet delivered a verdict.