The prosecution argued that several accusers suffered long-term distress after Russell Brand allegedly shifted rapidly from charming to frightening behavior during the encounters. Crown counsel Reil Karmy-Jones KC pushed back against claims that a media documentary prompted the allegations, noting the women sought only closure rather than publicity. Furthermore, the prosecution addressed character testimony from Brand's wife, pointing out she was absent during the decade the alleged offenses took place. The defense concluded by noting the defendant's prior criminal history consists solely of a single cannabis possession fine from 1995.
Key points
The prosecution argued that the accusers shared no prior acquaintance and came forward so…: The prosecution argued that the accusers shared no prior acquaintance and came forward solely seeking closure rather than publicity.
Crown lawyers dismissed the defense character witness, noting Brand's wife was not presen…: Crown lawyers dismissed the defense character witness, noting Brand's wife was not present during the years when the alleged assaults occurred.
The trial continues at Southwark Crown Court following the delivery of closing arguments…: The trial continues at Southwark Crown Court following the delivery of closing arguments and final agreed facts.
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- Published
Some of the women in Russell Brand's rape and sexual assault case have been "haunted" for years by what they allege he did to them, jurors have been told.
In her closing speech at London's Southwark Crown Court on Friday, prosecutor Reil Karmy-Jones KC said the women had "nothing to gain" from coming forward apart from "some closure".
Speaking for the defence, Polly Dyer told jurors Brand had pleaded guilty and been fined over possession of cannabis in 1995, but had no other "convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings".
Brand, 51, is on trial facing seven charges; three counts of rape, three charges of sexual assault and one allegation of attempted indecent assault. He denies the charges.
Karmy-Jones KC told the court that this case brings together six different women, none of whom knows each other.
She said that while all the alleged victims have since moved on with their lives, due to this trial they have been forced to "relive what has happened to them".
None of the women involved has "sought the limelight" or "any kind of…
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