Oxfordshire's Russell Brand charged with rape and sexual assault
Henley comedian and actor Russell Brand has been charged with sexual offences, including rape relating to four separate women.
Detectives began an investigation after Brand was accused of rape, sexual assaults and emotional abuse by several women in a joint investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times and Channel 4 Dispatches in September 2023.
The Metropolitan Police has now charged Brand with one count each of rape, indecent assault and oral rape, as well as two counts of sexual assault, relating to four separate women.
It comes after the celebrity has been involved in a planning saga over his pub in Pishill in South Oxfordshire, which he was denied planning permission for when attempting to convert into a recording studio and community space.
Brand has previously denied the accusations and said all his sexual relationships were 'absolutely always consensual'.
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An investigation has been into the comedian has been ongoing.
The alleged incidents took place between 1999 and 2005.
Brand is charged with the rape of a woman in 1999 in the Bournemouth area and the oral rape and sexual assault of a woman in 2004 in the Westminster area of London.
He has also been charged with indecently assaulting a woman in 2001 and sexually assaulting another woman between 2004 and 2005 – both of these are alleged to have taken place in Westminster, London.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy from the Metropolitan Police said: 'The women who have made reports continue to receive support from specially 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 and speak with police.
"A dedicated team of investigators is available via email at CIT@met.police.uk.
READ MORE: Cosy 15th century pub nestled in quiet Cotswolds village is 'hidden gem'
Russell Brand has been charged. (Image: James Manning / PA Wire)
'Support is also available by contacting the independent charity, Rape Crisis at 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line.'
The 49-year-old purchased his 800-year-old pub, The Crown, in 2020, which is just a mile away from Stonor.
He had tried to gain permission to convert the historic watering hole into a recording studio and offices, but this was met with objections and the proposal was dismissed
The entertainer has since tried again with the idea that the spot could be used as a pub as well as a media studio and offices with a function room.
READ MORE: James Corden 'at war with neighbours' before £8m move to Oxfordshire
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These ambitions did not win over William Stonor, 8th Lord Camoys, of Stonor Park.
This is the Oxfordshire family seat which successive generations of Stonors have occupied since before the Norman Conquest.
Lord Camoys sent a letter to the local council objecting to Mr Brand's plans, given that when the actor first purchased the pub, he did so with the promise 'to keep the pub open'.
Brand is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday, May 2.
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