Jury in Russell Brand rape trial begins considering verdicts
Summary
A jury at Southwark Crown Court has begun considering verdicts in Russell Brand’s trial on seven charges of rape and sexual assault-related offences. Brand has pleaded not guilty, and the judge told the jury that any verdict must be unanimous.Key Facts
- The charges include three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of attempted indecent assault.
- The allegations involve six women and events said to have occurred between 1999 and 2009.
- Brand told the court that his past sexual behaviour was consensual and denied committing any crime.
- Prosecutors said the women described incidents in which Brand ignored their refusals and used force.
- Brand’s barrister argued that the sexual encounters were lawful and said the publicity surrounding earlier allegations affected the case.
- Brand’s wife, Laura, testified for the defence and described him as caring and kind.
- The criminal allegations concern women different from those in a 2023 television and newspaper investigation.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.