Overview
- The trial began on Oct. 12, 2026, at Southwark Crown Court when juror screening and selection started and several prospective jurors were excused for prior exposure to 2023 media coverage.
- Brand faces seven historical counts—three of rape, three of sexual assault and one of indecent assault—brought in two stages and said to involve six women between 1999 and 2009.
- The defendant has pleaded not guilty to every charge, remains on bail, and is defended by Ian Winter KC while the Crown case is led by Riel Karmy‑Jones KC.
- The charges follow a Metropolitan Police inquiry opened after Channel 4 and Sunday Times reporting in September 2023 and were authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service in April and December 2025.
- Prosecutors are due to open their case later this week and the trial is expected to run for multiple weeks with jurors warned not to research the case and complainants protected by lifelong anonymity.