Russell Brand trial opens on seven charges involving six women

Russell Brand’s trial on seven charges involving six women opened at Southwark Crown Court, where prosecutors accused the comedian and actor of using charm and manipulation in the pursuit of sexual contact. Brand denies all charges and has pleaded not guilty. The allegations have not been tested to a verdict. Prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones told jurors that the alleged offences occurred between 1999 and 2009, as Brand’s public profile was rising. She described him as ruthless, calculated and manipulative, and said his desire for sexual contact was indiscriminate. Those descriptions are the prosecution’s account of the case, not findings by the court. The charges comprise three counts of assault, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. The allegations concern six women. Karmy-Jones said the incidents took place in different settings, including a hotel room, workplaces, a bar toilet cubicle and Brand’s home. In her opening, the prosecutor alleged that Brand sometimes used humour or told women what they wanted to hear before making advances. She also said some women protested, while others had no opportunity to react.