Russell Brand rape trial jury begins deliberations

A UK jury began deliberations on Tuesday in the trial of British comedian and actor Russell Brand, who is charged with seven counts of rape and sexual or indecent assault.

Six women have given evidence at Southwark Crown Court about alleged offences including anal, vaginal and oral rape between 1999 and 2009, when Brand was rising to fame as a stand-up comedian and television presenter.

Brand, 51, has pleaded not guilty to all charges. He said that although he used to be promiscuous, he always had consensual sex.

The prosecution described Brand as a “ruthless, calculated and manipulative” sexual predator. Prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones told the jury in closing arguments that several alleged victims initially found Brand pleasant before what she described as a change in behaviour.

Brand's lawyer Ian Winter urged jurors to separate Brand's conduct and treatment of women from the criminal charges. He said it was not criminal to treat women unkindly before, during or after sex if there was consent, and argued the claims had been made many years after the alleged offences.

Judge Joel Bennathan told the jury of eight men and four women that he could accept only unanimous verdicts. If convicted, Brand could face up to life in prison.