Russell Brand trial closes with defense claiming accusers did not resist

None of the six women who accused comedian Russell Brand of sexual misconduct resisted, screamed, or attempted to leave during the incidents, his lead defense lawyer told a jury. Ian Winter made the argument on Monday during closing remarks at Southwark Crown Court. He stated that the absence of such reactions is "quite surprising" and suggests the women were consenting. The defense emphasized that Brand lived a highly promiscuous life, which is lawful regardless of moral judgments. Winter described Brand as someone seeking approval and adoration. The jury, which consists of eight men and four women, has listened to evidence over the past three weeks. The trial centers on three counts of rape and three charges of sexual assault. One count of indecent assault was reduced to attempted indecent assault by the judge last week. The allegations span from 1999 to 2009. Brand denies all claims. His wife, Laura, testified last week that he is a caring father to their three children.

The prosecution delivered its closing arguments on Friday. Lead prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones described the defense case as half-truths spun into lies. She noted that the six complainants do not know one another. Karmy-Jones argued that none of the women sought publicity or had anything to gain except closure. She urged the jury to listen to the accounts of a personality change in Brand. The women described him as nice before the incidents, followed by a pivot where he ignored their refusals. One testimonial account stated that in the rape cases, he continued until he achieved his goal. The prosecution highlighted that Brand did not listen when the women said no. Karmy-Jones asserted that the behavior described by the accusers is consistent across all six testimonies. The jury watched police interviews with the complainants, whose identities remain anonymous. The court also heard from Brand's former personal assistant, Helen Berger. Brand himself took the stand to give evidence. He told the court he did not persuade anyone to testify for his defense.

Winter argued that the allegations originated from a Channel 4 Dispatches documentary. He claimed the program and Sunday Times journalists poisoned the well of justice by inviting these women to speak. Winter said there is nothing random about the timing of their forward movement. He pointed out that none of the women who alleged rape brought the complaint directly to Brand. The defense maintained that his normal behavior after the alleged attacks indicates he believed consent was given. Winter told the jury there is no evidence Brand is a psychopath who views rape as normal. The fact that he acted normally during and after the incidents tells the jury what they need to know. The judge has instructed the jury to reach a unanimous verdict on all seven charges. The trial is now in its final stages. The jury will deliberate to reach a decision on the specific incidents described in the court record.

The specific allegations include an incident in a Bournemouth hotel room after a Labour Party conference in 1999. Another woman alleges Brand pulled her into a toilet at a Soho bar in 2004. A third accuser states she was anally raped at his Hampstead home in 2009 after consensual vaginal sex. A fourth allegation involves an attempt to drag an MTV colleague into a bathroom in 2001. A fifth claim involves exposure during a car ride where he told the woman to suck it. These details were presented to the jury as part of the evidence. The defense focused on the context of these interactions. The prosecution focused on the consistency of the women's stories. The judge reduced one charge before the final arguments. The jury has all the evidence required to make a decision. The verdict must be unanimous across all seven counts. The court will announce the result once the jury reaches a conclusion.