Prosecution delivers closing arguments in Russell Brand trial

Closing arguments have begun at Southwark Crown Court in London in the trial of comedian and actor Russell Brand, the BBC and Variety reported on Friday. The prosecution told the jury that the women accusing him had nothing to gain from coming forward other than some closure. [1][7][8][13]

Prosecutor Reil Karmy-Jones KC told jurors that some of the women involved in the case have been haunted for years by what they allege Mr Brand did to them, the BBC reported. Variety reported that the prosecution described the defence as a lot of half-truths spun into lies, while The Hollywood Reporter said the prosecution claimed Mr Brand treated consent as an obstacle to remove or ignore. [1][7][11]

The BBC reported that defence lawyer Polly Dyer told jurors Mr Brand pleaded guilty to and was fined for cannabis possession in 1995, but has no other convictions or cautions. Fox News, Sky News, and thejournal.ie reported that Mr Brand's wife, Laura Brand, took the stand as a defence witness on Thursday, opening up about their relationship and his past struggles with monogamy. [1][2][5][6][8]

Mr Brand, who is 51 years old, faces seven charges involving six women between 1999 and 2009, according to Fox News, the BBC, and earlier reporting by FTMQ News. These charges comprise three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one allegation of attempted indecent assault, all of which Mr Brand vehemently denies. [1][2][15][16]