Russell Brand back in court ahead of rape and sexual assault trial

Russell Brand made no comment on Tuesday morning as he arrived at court for a hearing ahead of his rape and sexual assault trial.

The 51-year-old comedian and actor has been accused by six women over alleged sexual abuse incidents spanning from 1999 to 2009.

He has pleaded not guilty to three counts of rape, three charges of sexual assault, and one allegation of indecent assault.

On Tuesday, Brand arrived at Southwark Crown Court in a black Mercedes for the first of two days of pre-trial hearings.

Brand, who wore sunglasses and a grey suit, was accompanied by a woman in a yellow suit as he walked slowly past members of the media.

He stayed silent on his entry to court.

His bodyguard was spotted holding a Bible.

The two days of legal argument are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday.

His trial begins on Monday 12 October, with the case expected to last up to 10 weeks.

Previous hearings have heard that Brand, who denies all the allegations of non-consensual sexual activity, 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 became one of Britain’s best-known stand-up comedians in the 2000s, presented spin-off shows for TV’s Big Brother and starred in a series of Hollywood films.

In recent years, he has pivoted to podcasting and online influencing.