Russell Brand arrived at Southwark Crown Court on what appeared to be a difficult day, carrying a copy of a book titled 'Praying the Names of God for 52 Weeks' and without his wife Laura Gallacher.
About 45 minutes later, he stood in the dock of Court Three and performed the sign of the cross as the judge entered the room. Brand has spoken openly about his faith, but even he may wonder if it can help him in the weeks ahead.
Accuser's emotional testimony
He showed no emotion as the jury watched an hour-long video interview with his first alleged victim, who later gave sometimes angry testimony from behind a screen in the courtroom.
The complainant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, alleged that Brand, once one of Britain's most popular comedians, transformed from a charming figure into a monster-like one who raped her on her hotel room bed in September 1999, before he was famous.
Courtroom clashes
During her evidence, she compared Brand to a lizard and said she never found him attractive, adding that she was disgusted by his body, which she compared to a snake. If Brand was hurt by the humiliating public descriptions, he did not show it.
His lawyer, Ian Winter KC, appeared to struggle in exchanges with the complainant, who repeatedly rejected his claims that she had been charmed by his client and had happily agreed to a one-night stand. At one point, the judge told Mr Winter to shush, appearing to lose patience with his style of questioning.
