Prosecution Opens Case in Russell Brand Rape and Sexual Assault Trial

Russell Brand is on trial at Southwark Crown Court in London over allegations of rape and sexual assault involving six women, according to The Independent. The allegations span 1999 to 2009, Express & Star reported.

The former actor, comedian and presenter faces three counts of rape, three charges of sexual assault and one allegation of indecent assault, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He denies all charges and has pleaded not guilty, The New York Times reported.

On October 12, Brand arrived at Southwark Crown Court accompanied by his wife, Laura, as the trial got underway, Deadline Hollywood reported.

The first morning was taken up with jury selection. The hearing was then adjourned until Tuesday, with prosecutors expected to open their case later in the week, according to Global News.

On October 13, a jury was sworn in. GB News reported that it comprised eight men and four women. That differed from an earlier preview by the Sydney Morning Herald, which had said a 14-person jury would be sworn in.

On October 14, Brand took his place in the dock as prosecutors began presenting their case, according to Deadline Hollywood. That report moved the proceedings beyond jury selection and into the prosecution's opening.

The prosecution opening is the latest stage reported in the supplied coverage. Express & Star described the accusations as including groping women and forcing them into sexual acts. These remain allegations, and Brand denies the charges.

The trial is expected to run into December, Deadline Hollywood reported. The Sydney Morning Herald had previously put its expected length at up to 10 weeks.

The immediate focus is the prosecution's account of the allegations against Brand. Deadline Hollywood reported that the opening began on October 14, but the supplied coverage does not yet set out the detailed arguments or a timetable for witnesses.