Russell Brand Trial: Judge Drops Indecent Assault Charge, Replaces It With Attempted Assault Count

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Judge Drops Indecent Assault Charge in Russell Brand Trial

   During his ongoing criminal trial at London's Southwark Crown Court, British comedian and actor Russell Brand faced the dismissal of an indecent assault charge by the presiding judge due to insufficient evidence. The judge replaced the count with an attempted indecent assault charge at the halfway stage of the proceedings. Brand took the stand for the first time, testifying to deny all charges of rape and sexual assault against him. He told the court that the allegations had a devastating impact on his life, testifying that no one would touch him with a bargepole.

   Why it matters

   The trial represents a critical phase in the legal proceedings against the British entertainer, who has consistently maintained that he never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity. As the prosecution wraps up its case, the modification of the charges alters the legal parameters the jury must consider. The courtroom proceedings have also featured testimony regarding Brand's behavior from a former assistant.

   What is confirmed

   • A judge at Southwark Crown Court dismissed an indecent assault charge against Russell Brand due to insufficient evidence.
   • The judge replaced the dismissed charge with an attempted indecent assault count at the halfway stage of the trial.
   • Russell Brand took the stand to testify in his rape and sexual assault trial and denied all charges.
   • Russell Brand told police and the court that he never had non-consensual sex.
   • Russell Brand stated that the allegations have had a devastating impact on him.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Brand's former assistant described his appetite as insane in a statement presented during the proceedings.

   What to watch next

   • The conclusion of the defense's evidence and testimony in the ongoing trial.
   • The jury's deliberation and verdict on the remaining charges.
   Sources used for this update (14)

   1. Variety — Russell Brand Trial: Judge Drops Indecent Assault Charge, Replaces It With Attempted Assault Count
   2. The Guardian — Russell Brand gives evidence in rape and sexual assault trial – latest updates
   3. BBC — Russell Brand told police he never had non-consensual sex
   4. The New York Times — Russell Brand Testifies in Rape Trial for First Time
   5. upi — Brand's former assistant describes 'insane' appetite in statement
   6. BBC — Russell Brand says allegations had devastating impact on him
   7. AP News — Russell Brand denies all charges as he takes the stand at his rape and sex assault trial
   8. Sky News — Russell Brand rape trial live: Comedian says rape allegations 'devastating' and 'no one will touch me with a bargepole'
   9. variety.com — Russell Brand Trial: Judge Drops Indecent Assault Charge
   10. www.hollywoodreporter.com — Russell Brand Trial: Judge Reduces Charge as Star Gives Statement
   11. www.yahoo.com — Russell Brand Indecent Assault Charge Reduced By Judge; Trial ...
   12. www.wionews.com — Judge drops indecent assault charge in Russell Brand trial
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