Judge reduces indecent assault charge against Russell Brand during trial

A judge has reduced one indecent assault charge against Russell Brand to attempted indecent assault, saying there was insufficient evidence to convict him of the original charge. The change concerns an allegation that he tried to pull an MTV worker into a toilet; the other rape and sexual assault charges are unaffected.

Brand has pleaded not guilty to all charges and denies the allegations. The prosecution has largely finished presenting its case at Southwark Crown Court, where the trial began on 12 October and is expected to continue for about ten weeks; the defence is due to begin on 28 October, and Brand may give evidence.