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Russell Brand trial begins in London over sexual offence charges
The criminal trial of British comedian and actor Russell Brand has commenced at Southwark Crown Court in London. Brand, 51, faces seven charges: three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one count of indecent assault. The allegations involve six women and cover incidents reported to have occurred between 1999 and 2009.
During the initial proceedings, which focused on jury selection, Judge Joel Bennathan issued a strict warning to potential jurors, instructing them not to conduct any background research on Brand due to his high public profile. The judge also excused several individuals who had already viewed documentaries or read extensive reports regarding the allegations.
Prosecutors allege several specific incidents, including a rape in a Bournemouth hotel during a Labour Party conference, the groping of a television worker, and the kissing and groping of a radio station employee. Brand has pleaded not guilty to all charges, maintaining that all sexual encounters were consensual. The trial is expected to last between six and 12 weeks.
Entities
Crown Prosecution Service · Joel Bennathan · Justice Bennathan · Laura Gallacher · Metropolitan Police · Mr Justice Bennathan · Russell Brand · Southwark Crown Court
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 7 SOURCES] The trial is being overseen by High Court judge Mr Justice Bennathan. www.easterneye.biz · www.perthnow.com.au · extra.ie · www.upday.com · deadline.com · +1 more
- [● 27 SOURCES] Brand faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one count of indecent assault. thecrystaleyes.com · yve-style.com · www.easterneye.biz · www.notiulti.com · novini247.com · +19 more
- [● 14 SOURCES] A third allegation involves Brand kissing and groping a radio station worker. thecrystaleyes.com · www.easterneye.biz · www.notiulti.com · www.perthnow.com.au · extra.ie · +7 more
- [● 28 SOURCES] Russell Brand has pleaded not guilty to all charges. thecrystaleyes.com · yve-style.com · www.easterneye.biz · www.notiulti.com · novini247.com · +20 more
- [DISPUTED] The trial is expected to last between 10 and 12 weeks. www.easterneye.biz · halifax.citynews.ca · nypost.com · www.singtaousa.com
- [● 14 SOURCES] Another allegation involves Brand grabbing a TV worker's breasts and forcing her into a sex act in a toilet. thecrystaleyes.com · www.easterneye.biz · www.notiulti.com · www.perthnow.com.au · extra.ie · +7 more
- [● 14 SOURCES] One allegation involves a rape in a hotel room during a Labour Party conference in Bournemouth. thecrystaleyes.com · www.easterneye.biz · www.notiulti.com · www.perthnow.com.au · extra.ie · +7 more
- [● 28 SOURCES] The alleged offenses involve six women and occurred between 1999 and 2009. thecrystaleyes.com · yve-style.com · www.easterneye.biz · www.notiulti.com · novini247.com · +20 more
- [● 5 SOURCES] The trial is expected to last between 6 and 12 weeks. antiguantrumpet.com · pulptastic.com · thecrystaleyes.com · halifax.citynews.ca · theblast.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Judge Joel Bennathan warned jurors not to conduct any research regarding Russell Brand due to his high profile. www.singtaousa.com · plejada.pl · www.mediaweek.com.au · www.perthnow.com.au