Overview
- Prosecutors opened their case at Southwark Crown Court on Oct. 14, saying Brand faces seven historic sexual‑offence charges: three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault involving six women.
- The crown described Brand as 'ruthless, calculated and manipulative' and presented accounts of specific behaviour and phrases alleged during assaults, including an accused reply of 'don't be a spoilsport' when a victim resisted.
- One alleged incident in 1999 after a Bournemouth cabaret was described in court as involving Brand stripping partly naked and doing 'Basil Fawlty' style silly walks before the attack, with a former flatmate giving corroborating testimony.
- Brand denies all charges, gave prepared statements to police saying any sexual contact was consensual, and attended court from Florida with his wife as the multiweek trial proceeds.
- The trial is expected to run several weeks and could stretch into December, is drawing intense national and international media coverage, and follows 2023 investigative reports that prompted the police inquiries leading to these charges.