Russell Brand has arrived at Southwark Crown Court today for a plea and trial preparation hearing after he was charged with rape and sexual assault earlier this year
Russell Brand has been photographed turning up at court today for his plea and pre-trial hearing. The ex-comic and actor arrived at Southwark Crown Court this morning (May 30).
He was sent a postal charge in April, facing one count each of rape, indecent assault, and oral rape, plus two counts of sexual assault, linked to four different women, with the alleged incidents dating back 26 years.
Brand walked into court donning a grey blazer and matching trousers. He sported a pinstripe black shirt, showing a fair bit of chest, and a pair of brown boots. He had his shades on and clutched a black notebook as he strolled in.
Earlier in the month, Brand was at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on the rape and sexual assault charges and got conditional bail, reports the Mirror.
The clerk read the charges but didn’t ask Brand to plead, sending his case to the crown court for today’s appearance.
Detectives started an investigation after several women pointed the finger at him in September 2023. The Crown Prosecution Service gave the nod to charge Brand, who’s based in the US, in April.
The alleged incidents are said to have happened between 1999 and 2005.
Det Supt Andy Furphy, from the Met police, said at the time: “The women who have made reports continue to receive support from trained officers. The Met’s investigation remains open and detectives ask anyone who has been affected by this case, or anyone who has any information, to come forward.”
The statement from Scotland Yard went on: “A team of investigators is available via email at CIT@met.police.uk. Support is also available by contacting the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line.”
Jaswant Narwal, representing the CPS, stated: “We have today authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Russell Brand with a number of sexual offences.”
The decision comes after the CPS conducted a thorough review of the evidence gathered during a police investigation, sparked by allegations made in the wake of a Channel 4 documentary which aired in September 2023.
Narwal added: “We have concluded that Russell Brand should be charged with offences including rape, sexual assault and indecent assault. These relate to reported non-recent offences between 1999 and 2005, involving four women.”
The CPS also said: “The Crown Prosecution Service reminds everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial.
“It is extremely important that there be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Last year, Brand strongly denied any wrongdoing after The Sunday Times and Channel 4 Dispatches ran a joint investigation into the allegations, claiming that all his relationships had been consensual.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
