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Southwark Crown Court

All articles tagged with #southwark crown court

Fourth Witness in Russell Brand Trial Describes 'Frenzied' Assault at Radio Studio
crime-and-court1 hour ago

Fourth Witness in Russell Brand Trial Describes 'Frenzied' Assault at Radio Studio

The fourth complainant in the Russell Brand trial testified that the comedian sexually assaulted her at the Choice FM radio studios in central London during the mid-2000s. She described the encounter as 'frenzied' and 'violent,' stating that Brand grabbed her face, kissed her roughly, and pressed his body against her while touching her breasts and buttocks. The woman, now in her 50s, said she had never met Brand before and believed he was present for the Channel 4 show 'Big Brother's Big Mouth.' She pushed him away and swore at him but did not report the incident to police at the time due to fear of losing her job and lack of belief in the system. She came forward after watching a documentary about Brand. Brand, 51, faces seven charges including three counts of rape and three of sexual assault, spanning 1999 to 2009, and maintains that any contact was consensual.

Brand Trial: Complainant Describes 2004 Toilet Assault and 'Swap Numbers' Aftermath
legal21 hours ago

Brand Trial: Complainant Describes 2004 Toilet Assault and 'Swap Numbers' Aftermath

The trial of Russell Brand entered its second week with testimony from a third complainant alleging a 2004 oral rape in a London bar toilet. The woman described being dragged into the restroom after a brief conversation, with Brand allegedly saying 'don't be a spoilsport' and later suggesting they 'swap numbers.' Brand, who faces seven charges, maintains all interactions were consensual. The trial is expected to last six weeks.

Trial: Complainant Says Brand Asked for Her Number After 2004 Toilet Assault
legal23 hours ago

Trial: Complainant Says Brand Asked for Her Number After 2004 Toilet Assault

On day six of his trial, Russell Brand faced testimony from a third complainant alleging he orally raped her in a London bar toilet in 2004. The woman, identified as Complainant 3, described how Brand grabbed her breasts, dragged her into the restroom, and forced oral sex on her. Afterward, he allegedly asked to exchange phone numbers. Brand, who faces seven charges, maintains that all interactions were consensual and does not recall the incidents.

Brand Trial: Witnesses Detail 'Preoccupation' and 'Monster-Like' Behavior in 1999 Allegations
uk-news2 days ago

Brand Trial: Witnesses Detail 'Preoccupation' and 'Monster-Like' Behavior in 1999 Allegations

Russell Brand is on trial in London for seven counts of sexual offenses against six women between 1999 and 2009. Prosecutors describe him as a calculated predator, while witnesses testify to specific incidents of coercion and urgency. Brand denies all charges, claiming any contact was consensual, as the trial draws intense international media attention and support from US political allies.

Brand Trial: Witnesses Detail Decade of Alleged Assaults as Defense Challenges Power Dynamics
crime-and-courts2 days ago

Brand Trial: Witnesses Detail Decade of Alleged Assaults as Defense Challenges Power Dynamics

Russell Brand is on trial in London for seven counts of sexual offenses against six women, spanning 1999 to 2009. Prosecutors describe him as a 'ruthless' predator, while witnesses detail specific incidents of forced contact and coercion. Brand, who has pleaded not guilty, maintains that all interactions were consensual and denies the allegations, with his defense arguing a lack of power imbalance in early cases.

Brand Trial: Court Hears 1999 Hotel Allegation Amid 'Ruthless' Prosecution Case
legal4 days ago

Brand Trial: Court Hears 1999 Hotel Allegation Amid 'Ruthless' Prosecution Case

On day four of Russell Brand’s rape trial in London, the jury heard a 2023 police interview from a woman alleging she was raped by the comedian in a hotel room in 1999. The complainant, who has lifelong anonymity, described Brand as initially polite but later 'ruthless' and 'calculating' during the alleged assault. Prosecutors emphasized that Brand’s six accusers acted independently and that he displayed a 'voracious' sexual appetite. Brand, who faces seven charges spanning 1999 to 2009, maintains that any sexual contact was consensual and that he does not recall the specific incidents.

Brand Trial: Prosecutors Detail Pattern of 'Ruthless' Assaults Across a Decade
crime-and-courts4 days ago

Brand Trial: Prosecutors Detail Pattern of 'Ruthless' Assaults Across a Decade

The rape trial of British comedian Russell Brand has entered its evidentiary phase at Southwark Crown Court. Prosecutors have presented detailed accounts of alleged sexual offenses spanning 1999 to 2009, describing Brand as a 'ruthless' and 'calculated' predator. Video evidence and witness testimony highlight specific incidents, including a 1999 hotel assault and a 2009 encounter that allegedly left a victim bleeding. Brand, who faces seven charges involving six women, maintains his innocence, claiming any contact was consensual or reimagined by accusers after media exposure. The trial is expected to last six weeks.

Prosecutors Call Russell Brand 'Ruthless Predator' in London Trial Opening
crime-and-court5 days ago

Prosecutors Call Russell Brand 'Ruthless Predator' in London Trial Opening

Prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones opened the rape trial against comedian Russell Brand at Southwark Crown Court, labeling him a 'ruthless' and 'calculated' sexual predator. Brand faces seven counts, including three for rape, involving six women between 1999 and 2009. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The prosecution argues Brand used his charm to manipulate victims, while Brand expressed hope for a fair outcome upon arriving at court.

Prosecutors Detail Decade of Alleged Assaults in Russell Brand Trial
legal5 days ago

Prosecutors Detail Decade of Alleged Assaults in Russell Brand Trial

The rape trial of British comedian Russell Brand began at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday, with prosecutors describing him as a 'ruthless' and 'calculated' sexual predator. Brand, 51, faces seven charges involving six women from 1999 to 2009, which he denies. The prosecution detailed specific allegations, including incidents at workplaces and private venues, while Brand arrived at court with his wife, Laura, expressing hope for a fair outcome.

Prosecutors Label Russell Brand a 'Sexual Predator' in London Rape Trial
legal6 days ago

Prosecutors Label Russell Brand a 'Sexual Predator' in London Rape Trial

Prosecutors in London have opened a rape and sexual assault trial against comedian and actor Russell Brand, alleging he acted as a 'ruthless' and 'calculated' sexual predator between 1999 and 2009. Brand, 51, faces three counts of rape, three of sexual assault, and one of indecent assault involving six women. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The trial, expected to last six weeks, features testimony from six independent victims who do not know one another. Prosecutors described Brand's behavior as manipulative and driven by an 'indiscriminate' desire for sexual contact, while Brand arrived at court expressing hope for a fair outcome.

Russell Brand Trial Enters Formal Phase as Jury Sworn In
uk-news6 days ago

Russell Brand Trial Enters Formal Phase as Jury Sworn In

The rape and sexual assault trial of British comedian Russell Brand has officially commenced at Southwark Crown Court. A 12-person jury was sworn in on Tuesday, following a day of selection on Monday. Brand, 51, faces seven charges involving six women from 1999 to 2009. He denies all allegations. The prosecution is scheduled to open its case on Wednesday, with the trial expected to last approximately six weeks.

London gang jailed for 25 years over 40,000-device phone smuggling ring
crime-and-justice23 days ago

London gang jailed for 25 years over 40,000-device phone smuggling ring

Three men were sentenced to a combined 25 years in prison for running what the Metropolitan Police calls the UK's largest mobile phone smuggling network. The operation, known as Operation Echosteep, began after a victim tracked a stolen device to a Heathrow warehouse in late 2024. Police subsequently seized over 10,000 phones and arrested 14 individuals, claiming the network was responsible for 40% of all phone thefts in London during 2024 and 2025.

Jury Convicts Two Men in Brutal Mayfair Robbery of Designer’s £137k Watch
crime1 month ago

Jury Convicts Two Men in Brutal Mayfair Robbery of Designer’s £137k Watch

Two men have been convicted of robbing Romanian entrepreneur Catalin Botezatu of a £137,000 Richard Mille watch in a violent incident outside a Mayfair restaurant. The attackers cut the timepiece from Botezatu’s wrist with a sharp instrument, causing him physical injury. While the lead suspect pleaded guilty, the two convicted defendants claimed they were coerced or unaware of the plot, a defense rejected by the jury.