Russell Brand granted bail after first court appearance over sexual assault charges
British comedian and actor Russell Brand has been granted bail after appearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on charges of rape, indecent assault, and sexual assault involving four different women.
The court appearance on April 29 lasted around 12 minutes, during which Brand confirmed his name, address, and age—49 as reported by the BBC.
Brand was photographed arriving in shades and a black shirt, looking composed as he stepped into the courtroom for the first time since the Metropolitan Police formally charged him following allegations brought to light in a Channel 4 and The Times exposé nearly two years ago.
The charges include:
Rape of a woman in Bournemouth in 1999, indecent assault of a woman in Westminster in 2001, oral rape and sexual assault in Westminster in 2004, and
a separate case of sexual assault in Westminster between 2004 and 2005.
Court documents also detail a disturbing 2001 incident where Brand allegedly 'grabbed [a woman's] arm and dragged her towards a male toilet,' among other actions.
Following news of the charges, Brand whose current residence is listed in Oxfordshire, previously addressed his followers on social media, stating:
'I've never engaged in non-consensual activity. I pray that you can see that by looking in my eyes.'
He also admitted:
'I was a drug addict, sex addict and an imbecile. But I was never a rapist.'
Brand is next scheduled to appear at The Old Bailey on May 30, where the legal proceedings will continue.
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