Russell Brand Sexual Assault Trial Under Way in London: Witness Relays Accuser's Account in Court
The sexual assault trial of British comedian and broadcaster Russell Brand is under way at Southwark Crown Court in London. In testimony on Thursday, October 22, a witness appearing by video link told the court what her friend had described to her: in 2009, after meeting Brand following one of his shows at London's Hammersmith Apollo and later visiting his home, a sexual encounter that began consensually allegedly turned into rape, and she said she repeatedly told him no. (GSM, via BBC court reporting)
Another witness testified that the accuser was allegedly left injured, and that Brand allegedly coldly told her to clean up after the alleged assault before sending her away. Statements from the accuser's parents indicated she feared contracting HIV and worried she would not be believed if she went to the police.
Brand, 51, faces seven charges: three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault, involving six women, with the alleged offences dating from 1999 to 2009. The trial opened on October 14, when prosecutors described Brand as a ruthless and manipulative sexual predator and said the six women did not know each other and came forward independently. Brand has pleaded not guilty to all charges and maintains he has never had nonconsensual sex with anyone. According to Reuters, the trial is expected to last around six weeks.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：本案审理地英国伦敦Southwark刑事法庭。Jorge Franganillo摄，CC BY 2.0，经维基共享资源。Photo: Southwark Crown Court in London, where the trial is being held. By Jorge Franganillo, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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