Russell brand sex assault trial opens at London’s Southwark Crown Court

British comedian and actor Russell Brand appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday as his trial began over allegations of rape and sexual assault involving six women. Prosecutors allege the incidents occurred between 1999 and 2009.

LONDON: British comedian and actor Russell Brand appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday as his trial began over allegations of rape and sexual assault involving six women. Prosecutors allege the incidents occurred between 1999 and 2009.

Opening the prosecution’s case prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones described Brand as a “ruthless” sexual predator and told jurors that the alleged offences took place at various locations including hotel rooms, workplaces a London bar and Brand’s home.

Brand, 51, has pleaded not guilty to three counts of rape three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. He denies all the allegations and previously told police that he had never engaged in sexual activity without consent.

The prosecution outlined several alleged incidents spanning a decade. One woman alleges that Brand raped her in a hotel room in Bournemouth in 1999, while he was performing at an event held alongside the Labour Party’s annual conference.

Another woman alleges that Brand attempted to pull her into a men’s bathroom at her workplace in 2001. A separate allegation concerns an incident at a London bar in 2004 where a woman says Brand sexually assaulted her despite her request that he stop.

The remaining charges involve allegations of unwanted kissing and groping at a London radio station rape at Brand’s home in 2009 and inappropriate sexual behaviour during the recording of an advertisement that same year.

Karmy-Jones told the jury that the women did not report the alleged incidents at the time because they experienced shame and guilt and feared being blamed. The women are expected to give evidence during the trial.

Brand arrived at court accompanied by his wife, Laura, as photographers and journalists gathered outside. Speaking to the media he said he felt concerned but hopeful that the legal proceedings would produce positive outcomes for everyone involved.

Brand became widely known in the early 2000s through stand-up comedy television programmes and his BBC radio show. He later appeared in Hollywood films including Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him to the Greek.

In recent years, he has moved away from mainstream entertainment and developed a large online following through videos covering wellness, conspiracy theories and religious beliefs.

The court proceedings will examine the prosecution’s allegations and the evidence presented during the trial. Brand is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.