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Woman tells court Russell Brand 'monster-like' before alleged rape, demanded photos

First complainant testifies in London trial as 1999 photographs shown to jury

By LineZotpaper
Published
Updated
Read Time2 min
Sources4 outlets
A woman testifying at Russell Brand's rape trial has told jurors the actor became suddenly 'monster-like' in her hotel room, demanding she take photographs of him before pushing her onto a bed and raping her, according to court reports.

A woman who alleges she was raped by Russell Brand told a London court on Thursday that the actor's behaviour changed abruptly after they had talked for hours on the night they met in September 1999. She said Brand demanded she take photographs of him before forcing himself on top of her, leaving her in pain.

"I couldn't struggle. I couldn't breathe," she told the court, saying she was pinned down by his weight. "I know I said 'No'."

The woman, the first complainant among six women alleging sexual assault and rape, said she initially thought Brand was gay because of his 'effeminate' manner when they met at a cabaret he was appearing at on the sidelines of a Labour conference in Bournemouth. Photographs from 1999 were tendered as evidence in court.

Brand, 51, is facing trial on three counts of rape, three of sexual assault and one of indecent assault. He denies all charges and has insisted he never engaged in non-consensual sex.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • This is the opening testimony in a high-profile trial involving a well-known actor and six complainants.
  • The case is being closely watched for how courts handle historical sexual offence allegations.
  • The outcome will have significant reputational and legal consequences for Brand.

Background

Russell Brand, a British comedian and actor, is facing trial in London on multiple sexual offence charges. The allegations date back to 1999. The trial is proceeding against a backdrop of public allegations and investigative reporting about his conduct. Brand has consistently denied all wrongdoing.

Key Perspectives

Prosecution: The first complainant's testimony paints a picture of a sudden, violent attack after a seemingly ordinary encounter, with photographic evidence supporting her account.

Defence: Brand denies all charges and maintains that any sexual contact was consensual. The defence will likely challenge the credibility and consistency of the complainant's account.

Critics/Skeptics: Observers will be scrutinising how the jury weighs testimony from multiple complainants and whether the passage of time affects the reliability of evidence.

What to Watch

  • Further testimony from the first complainant and cross-examination by the defence.
  • Additional complainants' accounts and any corroborating evidence.
  • The jury's verdict and the judge's summing up.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

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