Russell Brand will be back in Southwark Crown Court today where his rape and sexual assault trial is expected to begin.
We should be hearing opening statements from the prosecution, which will set out an overview of the allegations against the 51-year-old comedian. He has been charged with three counts of rape, three of sexual assault and one of indecent assault against six women, in allegations that date from 1999 to 2009. Brand has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
He has been pictured arriving at court this morning with his wife, Laura Gallacher.
View image in fullscreenRussell Brand arrives at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday. Photograph: Ben Whitley/PAA jury was sworn in yesterday, with a warning from the judge, Mr Justice Bennathan, to ignore past reporting about Brand and allegations of sexual misconduct. You can read our report here:
Read moreThe Press Association has been outside court this morning, where news crews have been setting up shop several hours before the trial begins. Here’s what the news agency reports:
double quotation markA crowd of members of the press were gathered outside Southwark Crown Court hours before Russell Brand’s trial was due to start.
Photographers, video journalists and news presenters could be seen in position at around 7.30am, while a line of reporters waited to get in to the court building.
Members of court security were also outside the building, along with a small group of police officers.
One police officer was heard telling members of the press to stay behind barriers which were in place directly outside the building.”
The trial is scheduled to begin at 10am, so follow along for live updates throughout the day as the case gets under way.
