Russell Brand arrives at court to enter plea for rape and sexual assault charges
Russell Brand has been spotted arriving at court today for his plea and trial preparation hearing. The former comedian and actor has appeared at Southwark Crown Court today.
He was charged by post in April with one count each of rape, indecent assault and oral rape, as well as two counts of sexual assault, relating to four separate women, in alleged assaults said to date back 26 years.
Earlier this month, Brand appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court to face charges of rape and sexual assault and was granted conditional bail.
The clerk read out the charges in full but Brand was not asked to enter any pleas and his case was sent to the crown court for his appearance today.
Detectives launched an investigation after he was accused by several women in September 2023. The Crown Prosecution Services authorised charging Brand, who lives in the US, in April.
The incidents are alleged to have taken place 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.
"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, of the CPS, said: "We have today authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Russell Brand with a number of sexual offences.
"We carefully reviewed the evidence after a police investigation into allegations made following the broadcast of a Channel 4 documentary in September 2023.
"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."
She added: "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."
Following the 2023 allegations, which were featured in a joint investigation by The Sunday Times and Channel 4 Dispatches, Brand vehemently denied any wrongdoing, insisting all his relationships had been consensual.
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