Channel 4 documentary and journalists 'poisoned the well' against Russell Brand, court hears
Russell Brand's defense barrister, Ian Winter KC, argued in court that a Channel 4 documentary and newspaper articles "poisoned the well of justice" by encouraging complainants to bring criminal allegations against Brand years after the alleged events. Winter contended that Brand genuinely believed the encounters were consensual, highlighting his "highly promiscuous life" as lawful and questioning the nature of the allegations given Brand's actions like leaving contact details.
Why it matters
This article details a high-profile legal defense in a significant sexual assault trial, raising questions about media influence on legal proceedings and the complexities of consent in historical allegations. The outcome could have implications for how media investigations interact with the justice system.
Image source, Press Association By Helena Wilkinson and Guy Lambert BBC News , Reporting from Southwark Crown Court Published 15 minutes ago Journalists "poisoned the well of justice" by prompting complainants to come forward and make criminal allegations against Brand, jurors have heard.
In his closing speech on Monday, Ian Winter KC, Brand's defence barrister, said a Channel 4 documentary and stories in the Times and Sunday Times that made allegations about Brand in 2023, "caused people who had not previously considered for it to be appropriate to bring criminal allegations against him, to do so, and very many years after."
Brand faces seven counts; three counts of rape, three charges of sexual assault and one allegation of attempted indecent assault.
On Monday at Southwark Crown Court, Winter told jurors that "living a highly promiscuous life is entirely lawful".
Also covering this story
3 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Russell Brand Is Not ‘Some Kind of Psychopath Who Rapes People and Thinks It’s Normal,’ Defense Lawyer Says in Closing Argument
Channel 4 documentary and journalists 'poisoned the well' against Russell Brand, court hears
Russell Brand is not a ‘psychopath who rapes people and thinks it’s normal’, court told
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