Russell Brand’s Wife Says Star Was “Caring” Lover At Time Of Rape Allegations
Developing story first seen 2 hours ago
Closing arguments in Russell Brand’s trial are expected tomorrow, with the jury due to begin deliberations next Tuesday, 3 November. The prosecution and defence have finished presenting their cases, including evidence from Brand’s wife, Laura, who described him as caring during their relationship.
Laura told Southwark Crown Court she met Brand in August 2006, began a sexual relationship the following month and separated from him in February 2007 after he was unfaithful. She said they were not together in 2009, when one complainant alleges he raped her. Brand faces three rape charges, three sexual assault charges and one attempted indecent assault charge relating to alleged offences between 1999 and 2009; two former girlfriends also provided statements describing him as gentle and loving.
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In short
- Closing arguments are expected tomorrow.
- Jury deliberations are due to start on 3 November.
- Brand faces seven charges relating to alleged offences from 1999 to 2009.
How this story developed
- 34 minutes ago Russell Brand’s wife, Laura, told Southwark Crown Court that he was a caring and considerate lover during their relationship, as he faces rape and sexual assault charges.
- 38 minutes ago Closing arguments in Russell Brand’s trial are expected tomorrow, with the jury due to begin deliberations next Tuesday, 3 November. The prosecution and defence have finished presenting their cases, including evidence from Brand’s wife, Laura, who described him as caring during their relationship.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The defence can argue that Laura’s firsthand account of Brand as caring and considerate, alongside similar statements from former partners, offers relevant context about how he behaved in intimate relationships. Such testimony may help jurors assess the evidence fairly, while recognising that a person’s conduct in one relationship does not determine what happened in another.
The case against
The prosecution can argue that a partner’s positive experience cannot establish whether a separate alleged assault occurred, particularly when the couple were not together at the time of one allegation. The charges concern specific alleged incidents over several years, so the jury should assess the evidence about those incidents rather than treat affectionate behaviour towards other partners as proof against them.
Explained simply
Russell Brand is a British comedian and actor who has also worked as a presenter and author. He faces criminal charges relating to alleged sexual offences said to have taken place between 1999 and 2009; he denies the charges.
The case is being heard at Southwark Crown Court, where a jury will consider the evidence before deciding whether the charges are proved. Testimony from people who knew Brand is part of the evidence, but accounts of one relationship do not by themselves determine what happened in separate alleged incidents.