Russell Brand called a ‘ruthless’ sexual predator as rape trial begins in London

Russell Brand was described as a “ruthless” and manipulative sexual predator by a prosecutor as his rape and sexual assault trial began at Southwark Crown Court in London on Wednesday. According to The Associated Press, the 51-year-old actor-comedian has pleaded not guilty to three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault involving six women. The alleged offences took place between 1999 and 2009.Opening the prosecution's case, prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones told jurors that the six women, who did not know one another, were allegedly assaulted at different locations, including a hotel room, workplaces, a bar's toilet cubicle and Brand's home.She alleged that Brand had an “indiscriminate and voracious” desire for sexual contact at the time, adding that “women were simply a means to an end”.The prosecutor acknowledged that Brand could be funny and charming but described him as “a flirt with a huge sexual…