By Basant El-Faramawy
A jury at Southwark Crown Court returned a verdict on Thursday after nearly two days of deliberations in the trial of comedian and actor Russell Brand, who faces multiple charges of rape and sexual assault.
Charges and Allegations
Brand, 51, denies three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of attempted indecent assault involving six women. The alleged offenses span a decade from 1999 to 2009. Prosecutors said the women described Brand as initially charming before suddenly forcing them into sexual acts in locations including a toilet, a hotel room, workplace corridors and his bedroom, and then acting as if nothing had happened.
Defense Arguments
Brand’s lawyer, Ian Winter KC, argued that public opinion against the comedian had been “perverted and corrupted” by coverage in The Times, The Sunday Times and a Channel 4 Dispatches episode.
Wife’s Testimony
Brand’s wife, Laura Brand, née Gallacher, attended several hearings and testified that her husband is “caring” and “kind,” adding that honesty is central to their marriage.
