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Russell Brand Indecent Assault Charge Reduced By Judge: Trial Continues
A judge has reduced one indecent assault charge against Russell Brand to attempted indecent assault, ruling there was insufficient evidence for the original charge. The jury formally found him not guilty of that charge, while six other charges remain and the trial continues at Southwark Crown Court.
The reduced charge concerned a woman who said Brand tried to pull her into a bathroom while she was showing him where the toilets were at an MTV workplace in London. Brand faces three rape charges, three sexual assault charges and one attempted indecent assault charge, relating to allegations by six women; he denies all charges. His defence is due to begin on Wednesday, and the trial is expected to last another two to three weeks.
In short
- Judge reduces one charge against Russell Brand.
- Six other charges remain in the trial.
- Brand denies all charges; his defence is due to begin Wednesday.
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The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The judge’s decision reflects the principle that a charge should match the evidence the jury is asked to assess. Reducing it to attempted indecent assault, and recording a not-guilty verdict on the original charge, respects the defendant’s right to a fair trial while allowing the remaining allegations to be considered on their own evidence.
The case against
A charge reduction can leave complainants and observers concerned that the seriousness of an alleged incident is not fully represented, particularly when the underlying account remains part of the trial. They may also worry that a narrower charge could make it harder for a jury to consider the alleged conduct, though the judge’s ruling addresses the evidence available for that specific offence.
Explained simply
Russell Brand is a British comedian, actor and broadcaster. The case concerns allegations by six women about incidents said to have taken place between 1999 and 2005; Brand denies the charges.
The trial is being heard at Southwark Crown Court in London, where a jury considers the evidence and decides whether the charges are proved. It matters because the remaining allegations are serious criminal offences, and the jury’s decisions will determine whether Brand is found guilty or not guilty of them.