Prosecutors urge jury to convict Russell Brand over six women’s accounts
Prosecutors have urged a jury to convict Russell Brand, arguing that six women’s accounts show he treated women as disposable and used control in pursuing sex. Brand faces allegations of rape and sexual assault linked to incidents in 2009 and later; he denies all the charges.
In her closing address at Southwark Crown Court, Riel Karmy-Jones KC cited the women’s testimony, Brand’s past comments about sex and evidence from his former personal assistant. She said the complainants had no apparent benefit from coming forward and argued their accounts were truthful. Brand’s defence is due to make its closing speech on Monday.
In short
- Prosecutors say six women’s accounts support conviction.
- Brand denies all charges.
- The defence closing speech is due on Monday.
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The case for
The prosecution’s case is that the six women’s accounts, considered together with other evidence, describe a consistent pattern of sexual conduct involving control and disregard for consent. It argues that their testimony is credible, that they had no apparent benefit from coming forward, and that the jury should convict if the evidence proves the charges beyond reasonable doubt.
The case against
Brand denies the charges, and the jury must assess each allegation fairly rather than treat the number of complainants or past comments as proof of guilt. The defence can argue that the prosecution has not established the charges beyond reasonable doubt, and that any inconsistencies or limits in the evidence matter when judging the reliability of each account.
Explained simply
Russell Brand is a British comedian, actor and broadcaster whose public career has included outspoken comments about sex and relationships. He is being tried at Southwark Crown Court over allegations of rape and sexual assault involving six women, relating to incidents in 2009 and later; he denies all the charges.
The case turns on the women’s accounts and other evidence presented to the jury, alongside the defence’s response. The jury must decide whether the prosecution has proved the charges, which concern serious criminal offences and could lead to imprisonment if he is convicted.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Russell Brand ‘saw women as disposable… he didn’t even know his victims’ names’, court hears”.