The jury in Russell Brand’s trial has begun deliberating after hearing more than three weeks of evidence. Jurors will decide whether to convict or acquit him on three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of attempted indecent assault. The final charge was reduced from indecent assault during the trial.
Brand has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Before deliberations began, Judge Mr Justice Bennathan spent much of the day summarizing the evidence relating to each charge, following closing arguments from the prosecution and defense.
The judge told jurors they were under no pressure to reach a swift decision and that they must decide how long to deliberate. He also said unanimous verdicts are required to convict Brand on any charge, and reminded the jury that the prosecution bears the burden of proof and Brand is entitled to the benefit of the doubt.
Bennathan instructed jurors to disregard the allegations about Brand in a 2023 Channel 4 documentary when reaching their decision, saying they had not been tested in court. Both sides discussed the documentary during their closing arguments.
Sources: Deadline.