The prosecution case against Russell Brand is expected to begin on Wednesday in his high-profile rape and sexual assault trial. Jury selection has been taking place at Southwark Crown Court ahead of the trial, which could last up to 10 weeks. The comedian and actor's trial is expected to gain huge media attention due to its conclusion.
Brand is being supported at court by his wife, Laura Gallacher.
What charges does Russell Brand face?
The 51-year-old is accused of groping women and forcing them into sexual acts in allegations spanning 10 years from 1999 to 2009. Brand denies three charges of rape, three counts of sexual assaults, and one allegation of indecent assault, made by six women.
Previous hearings have heard Brand is accused of raping a woman in a hotel room at the Labour Party conference in Bournemouth, grabbing a TV worker's breasts and forcing her into a sex act in a toilet, and kissing and groping a radio station worker. Brand, who pleaded not guilty to the charges during pre-trial hearings, is on bail. His case is being overseen by High Court judge Mr Justice Bennathan.
Career background
Essex-born Brand started out as a stand-up comedian and his showbiz career took off when he was picked to front Big Brother spin-off shows by Channel 4. He became one of Britain's best-known comedians in the 2000s and won presenting roles including the 2007 Brit Awards, Comic Relief and the MTV Music Video Awards, and hosted his own show on BBC Radio 2.
He made the move into Hollywood films with roles including an Arthur remake, comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall and 2012 musical comedy Rock Of Ages. In recent years, he has pivoted to podcasting and online influencing, and now lives in Florida in the United States.
