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Russell Brand jury begins deliberations on seven sexual offence charges

By · Via Times of India · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Deliberations are underway at Southwark Crown Court following allegations brought forward by six women who did not know each other. Prosecutors contend that Brand leveraged his status and influence to exploit the complainants, whereas the defence claims extensive media coverage tainted their memories. During the trial, Brand acknowledged past promiscuity but firmly maintained that every encounter was consensual. The panel completed an initial hour of deliberations on Tuesday before Judge Joel Bennathan adjourned proceedings until Wednesday morning.

Key points

  • Russell Brand has pleaded not guilty to all seven sexual offence charges and remains rele…: Russell Brand has pleaded not guilty to all seven sexual offence charges and remains released on bail.
  • Defence lawyer Ian Winter argued that media reports influenced the women to come forward…: Defence lawyer Ian Winter argued that media reports influenced the women to come forward years after the encounters.
  • Jurors were dismissed after an hour of initial deliberations on Tuesday and will resume t…: Jurors were dismissed after an hour of initial deliberations on Tuesday and will resume their discussions Wednesday.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

The jury in the sexual offences trial of British comedian and actor Russell Brand has begun considering its verdict at Southwark Crown Court in London. Brand faces seven charges involving six women over alleged incidents between 1999 and 2009. He has denied all the allegations and pleaded not guilty. Reports by Reuters, the Associated Press and British media outlets say the jury was sent to deliberate on November 3, following several weeks of evidence and closing arguments from both sides. The 12-member jury, comprising eight men and four women, was instructed to reach a unanimous decision on each of the seven charges. Judge Joel Bennathan completed his summing-up of the case before sending the jurors out to consider the evidence. However, they deliberated for only about an hour on Tuesday before being sent home for the night. They were scheduled to return to court on Wednesday morning to continue their discussions.

The allegations relate to incidents said to have taken place at different locations, including a hotel room, the London offices of MTV, a recording studio, a radio station, a…

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