Russell Brand trial: Defense calls no witnesses
The comedian denied all seven charges on Wednesday and told Southwark Crown Court that he had spent years consumed by the case.
By Kenji Garnier ·
Russell Brand denied all criminal charges against him on Wednesday as his defense began presenting its case in London.
Brand testified that no person with relevant information agreed to support his side. He told the court, "My entire life has been consumed by these allegations." He added that he has devoted himself to these matters.
The jury heard that Brand was called to the stand by his lawyer, Ian Winter KC. Winter asked Brand if he committed each alleged offense, and Brand answered "No" every time. Winter then asked about Brand's fame in the mid-2000s. Brand said his 2010 marriage to Katy Perry brought him "staggering fame."
The trial involves six women who allege offenses between 1999 and 2009. The charges include three counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault. On Tuesday, Judge Mr Justice Bennathan reduced one indecent assault charge to attempted indecent assault. He cited "insufficient evidence" regarding an alleged 2001 incident involving an MTV employee. Brand has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The prosecution spent the previous two weeks detailing its case. Prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC described Brand as "ruthless and calculated." The prosecution alleged that Brand sought sexual contact with an "indiscriminate and voracious" desire. The first complainant claims he raped her at the 1999 Labour Party conference in Bournemouth. Another woman claims he grabbed her and pulled her toward a toilet at MTV in 2001.
Other allegations include squeezing a woman's breasts at a Soho party in 2004 and pushing a woman against a wall at Capital Radio in 2004 or 2005. The prosecution said he kissed her aggressively and grabbed her body. A fifth woman alleges he anally raped her in 2009 after consensual vaginal sex. The sixth claim involves a demand for a massage during a 2009 work assignment.
Brand spoke to journalists outside Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday. He said the day was for truth and justice. He noted that the legal system can accommodate such cases. The trial continues on Thursday.
Source: Variety
