Four women give evidence in second week of Russell Brand trial
Russell Brand’s second week of trial at Southwark Crown Court included evidence from four women, with allegations spanning incidents at a bar, a radio station and Brand’s London home. The testimony adds detail to the case, while Brand denies all charges.
The 51-year-old faces seven counts relating to alleged offences against six women between 1999 and 2009: three counts of rape, three of sexual assault and one of indecent assault. In cross-examination, defence barrister Ian Winter KC challenged accounts from two complainants; friends and family of one woman said she was extremely distressed after an alleged 2009 incident. The defence is due to open next week.
In short
- Four women gave evidence in week two of Brand’s trial.
- Brand denies all seven charges.
- The defence is due to open next week.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The prosecution’s case is that the complainants’ accounts, considered alongside evidence about their circumstances and reactions, support the charges and should be assessed by the court. A fair trial requires allegations of this seriousness to be heard and tested, with the complainants’ evidence given careful consideration.
The case against
Brand denies the charges, and the defence is entitled to challenge the reliability and consistency of the accounts and to present its case before any conclusion is reached. The presumption of innocence means allegations and testimony reported during the trial are not proof of guilt; the evidence must be assessed impartially against the criminal standard of proof.
Explained simply
Russell Brand is a British comedian and broadcaster who worked in television, radio and film during the period covered by the case. The charges concern allegations involving six women between 1999 and 2009, when he was a prominent figure in entertainment.
Brand faces seven charges: three of rape, three of sexual assault and one of indecent assault. He denies them, and the case is being heard at Southwark Crown Court; the jury will consider the evidence before reaching verdicts.
The case concerns whether the alleged offences took place, and how the accounts and other evidence stand up to examination in court. A trial allows both the prosecution and defence to present and challenge evidence under the law.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Subscribe to The Crime Desk for an exclusive bonus podcast analysing the key moments from week two of Russell Brand’s rape trial”.