Russell Brand Accused of 'Sexual Predation' as Rape Trial Begins
BBC News reports on the start of Russell Brand's rape and sexual assault trial, where he faces multiple allegations spanning a decade.
Prosecution Allegations:
- The prosecution describes Brand as "ruthless" and a "sexual predator."
- Six female complainants, independent of each other, have come forward with allegations.
- Brand is accused of three counts of rape, three charges of sexual assault, and one of indecent assault. He denies all charges.
Key Points from the Court Hearing:
- The offences occurred between 1999 and 2009, according to the allegations.
- The first complainant met Brand in 1999 at a Labour Party conference and claims he raped her.
- Brand allegedly indecently assaulted a second complainant, a former MTV employee, in the toilets.
- A third complainant alleges Brand orally raped her after they met at a party in 2004.
"The circumstances of the offending were as wide and as varied as the defendant's career." — Riel Karmy-Jones, prosecution barrister.
"His desire... was indiscriminate and voracious... [He was] demanding, entitled, a flirt with a huge sexual appetite." — Description of Brand's behaviour by the prosecutor.