Jury in Russell Brand rape and sexual assault trial retires to consider verdicts

The jury in Russell Brand’s rape and sexual assault trial has retired to consider verdicts on seven charges against the 51-year-old comedian, who denies all allegations. The charges relate to six women and span a 10-year period from 1999, with the trial at Southwark Crown Court lasting three weeks. The judge has told jurors he can only accept unanimous decisions on all seven counts. Brand has been described by the prosecution as a “ruthless, calculated and manipulative sexual predator.” The verdicts will determine the outcome of one of the highest-profile UK celebrity trials in recent years.