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Russell Brand Trial: Katy Perry Omitted By Prosecutors
Developing story first seen 2 hours ago
New reporting after the trial’s reporting restrictions were lifted has revealed that prosecutors agreed to omit Katy Perry from their opening argument in Russell Brand’s rape trial, following submissions from Brand’s lawyers. The Crown Prosecution Service also confirmed Perry was not asked to provide a witness statement. The details shed light on how prosecutors handled potentially sensitive material during the case.
Brand was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault, including two offences from 2009, before he and Perry married. Prosecutors said references to their relationship after 2009 could be sensitive; Perry was mentioned once in court, when Brand said the relationship helped propel him to “staggering fame”. He remains in custody ahead of sentencing on Monday, and the judge said he would receive a custodial sentence of some length.
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In short
- Prosecutors agreed to omit Katy Perry from their opening argument.
- Perry was not asked to provide a witness statement.
- Brand remains in custody ahead of sentencing on Monday.
How this story developed
- 35 minutes ago Prosecutors agreed to omit Katy Perry from their opening argument at Russell Brand’s trial after submissions from Brand’s lawyers.
- 40 minutes ago New reporting after the trial’s reporting restrictions were lifted has revealed that prosecutors agreed to omit Katy Perry from their opening argument in Russell Brand’s rape trial, following submissions from Brand’s lawyers.
Explained simply
Russell Brand is a British comedian and actor who became widely known through television, films and radio. Katy Perry is an American singer; she and Brand were married from 2010 to 2012.
The trial concerned allegations of rape and sexual assault. Prosecutors decide what evidence and background to present in court, while the defence can make legal submissions about what should be included.
Perry was not a witness in the case, and prosecutors said they did not seek a statement from her. The case matters because it concerns serious criminal offences and how evidence is presented at trial; a court’s verdict determines whether the charges are proved.