Russell Brand arrives at London court for rape and sexual assault trial

<p>British comedian and actor <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/09/22/russell-brand-faces-new-allegation-he-exposed-himself-to-woman/" target="_blank">Russell Brand</a> appeared in a London court on Tuesday for the start of his trial on rape and <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/02/01/russell-brand-denies-very-hurtful-sexual-abuse-allegations/" target="_blank">sexual assault charges</a>.</p> <p>The hearing at Southwark Crown Court was adjourned until Wednesday after a morning of jury selection. The prosecution is due to open its case later in the week.</p> <p>Brand, who is on bail, left the court building beside the River Thames holding hands with his wife, Laura Gallacher. He had earlier arrived at court flanked by security guards and accompanied by his wife.</p> <p>Brand, 51, has <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/09/21/russell-brand-facing-new-claim-amid-sexual-assault-allegations/" target="_blank">pleaded not guilty</a> to three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. The charges involve six women and alleged offenses between 1999 and 2009.