Russell Brand Defense Lawyer Says He Is Not the Kind of Psychopath Who Rapes People and Thinks It’s Normal in Closing Argument
Charges and allegations
Six women allege offenses dating from 1999 to 2009. Brand has been accompanied to court most days by his wife, Laura, who testified last week and described him as a “caring and kind, wonderful father” to their three children.
Prosecution’s closing case
On Friday, lead prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones presented the prosecution’s closing arguments to a jury of eight men and four women. She said the defense relied on “a lot of half-truths, but spun into lies.” Karmy-Jones said the six women did not know one another and had not sought publicity. She urged jurors to consider their accounts, including their descriptions of Brand changing from being nice to ignoring them when they said no.
Defense challenges accusers’ accounts
On Monday, defense lawyer Ian Winter told jurors that Channel 4’s Dispatches documentary had a “devastating impact.” The program brought allegations against Brand to light and prompted a police investigation in 2023. Winter said the women came forward at the invitation of the program, and accused Channel 4 and Sunday Times journalists of having “poisoned the well of justice.” He also questioned why the women who said they were raped did not make that complaint to Brand, and argued that none resisted, screamed or tried to leave.
Jury to consider charges
The prosecution said the women had nothing to gain except possible closure. It also told jurors that, in the rape allegations, Brand continued until he achieved his aim and ejaculated.
Key points
- Brand denies three rape charges, three sexual assault charges and one attempted indecent assault count.
- Six women allege offenses dating from 1999 to 2009.
- Prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones and defense lawyer Ian Winter gave opposing closing arguments.
- The jury is set to deliberate at Southwark Crown Court.