Jury Retires to Consider Verdicts in Russell Brand Trial
A jury at Southwark Crown Court in London has retired to consider its verdicts in the trial of Russell Brand, the British actor and comedian. Brand, who is 51, has pleaded not guilty to and denies all charges.
The Guardian reports that Brand faces seven offences, including rape and sexual assault, against six women. Among them are three counts of rape and three of sexual assault. The allegations span 10 years, beginning in 1999. One charge was changed last week from indecent assault to attempted indecent assault.
When a jury retires, the twelve jurors withdraw to decide the case based on the evidence they have heard. The presiding judge, Mr Justice Bennathan, told them he could accept only a unanimous verdict, meaning all 12 jurors must agree. The jury is made up of eight men and four women.
The trial, which lasted three weeks, began with jury selection on Monday 12 October 2026, according to Reuters. Brand gave evidence on Wednesday 28 October, arriving at the court that day, as Reuters reported. Southwark Crown Court is a higher criminal court that hears serious cases with juries.
Among the witnesses was Brand's wife, Laura Brand. She told the jury that she feels "very seen by him" and that she loves him very much, according to the BBC.
Prosecutors alleged that Brand was a "sexual predator", the BBC reported. Brand has denied all charges. The six women who are complainants in the case have never met each other.
