The defence is to begin presenting its case in Russell Brand’s trial at Southwark crown court, where he faces allegations of rape and sexual assault against six women. The prosecution’s case has drawn to a close after nearly two weeks of evidence, with the jury to hear from the defence today. In yesterday’s hearing, the jury was told by the judge, Mr Justice Bennathan, that the indecent assault charge against Brand has been amended to attempted indecent assault.
It relates to an allegation that Brand grabbed a female MTV worker by the arm and tried to drag her into a toilet. Bennathan told jurors he had reached the conclusion that there was insufficient evidence to support the charge of indecent assault. The court also heard Brand was interviewed by police on four occasions – in November and December 2023, January 2024 and July 2025.
Brand’s pre-prepared statement to police in November 2023 was read out in court by the prosecutor, Riel Karmy-Jones. In it, he said: “As I have repeatedly stated publicly and written about extensively, I led a very promiscuous life in the past, which I have spent years openly denouncing. He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
We will be bringing you live updates throughout the day as the trial continues.
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