Russell Brand's courtroom sketch revealed as he faces sexual assault charges
Former comedian and actor Russell Brand was granted conditional bail at Westminster Magistrates' Court today as he appeared straight faced and kept his arms and legs crossed
Russell Brand kept his arms crossed as he sat in court during his 12-minute hearing. The former comedian and actor appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court today to face charges of rape and sexual assault and was granted conditional bail.
A court sketch has shown Brand as the clerk read out the charges in full. He was charged by post last month with one count each of rape, indecent assault and oral rape, as well as two counts of sexual assault, relating to four separate women, in alleged assaults said to date back 26 years. In the image, Brand sitting with his arms folded as he looked on. He wore a black shirt that was buttoned only to his midriff and a pair of black trousers.
The comedian was dressed casually in court, wearing a distressed black denim shirt - which he left slightly unbuttoned - and a pair of black distressed jeans with a brown belt.
Brand kept a straight expression as he also crossed his legs while sitting on a row of chairs. During the hearing, Brand also stood up in front of Chief Magistrate Goldspring.
The clerk read out the charges in full but Brand was not asked to enter any pleas and his case was sent to the Old Bailey where he is due to appear on May 30. Brand walked slowly out of the court, staring straight ahead.
Detectives launched an investigation after he was accused by several women in September 2023. The Crown Prosecution Services authorised charging Brand, who lives in the US, in April.
Det Supt Andy Furphy, from the Met police, said at the time: "The women who have made reports continue to receive support from trained officers. The Met's investigation remains open and detectives ask anyone who has been affected by this case, or anyone who has any information, to come forward.
"A team of investigators is available via email at CIT@met.police.uk. Support is also available by contacting the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line." Jaswant Narwal, of the CPS, said: "We have today authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Russell Brand with a number of sexual offences."
After the 2023 allegations, which followed a joint investigation by The Sunday Times and Channel 4 Dispatches, he vehemently denied any wrongdoing, insisting all his relationships have been consensual.
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