UK prosecutor calls Russell Brand ruthless predator as rape trial begins

British comedian Russell Brand appeared at Southwark Crown Court in London on Wednesday for the start of his trial. Brand, 51, faces seven sexual offence charges involving six women, including rape, sexual assault, and indecent assault. He denies all allegations, which prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones stated took place between 1999 and 2009.

During the proceedings, Karmy-Jones described Brand to the jury as a "ruthless, calculated and manipulative" sexual predator who targeted women for sex. The prosecution alleged that Brand's desire for sexual contact was "indiscriminate and voracious," noting that he used his charm and comic talents to be demanding and entitled. According to Free Malaysia Today, Karmy-Jones told the jury that some women said no to his advances while others did not have the opportunity to react.

Brand arrived at the court on bail amidst a crowd of photographers and video journalists, telling reporters he felt "blessed." The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald report that he has pleaded not guilty to the charges involving the six women.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch, Free Malaysia Today, The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald, Euronews — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.