Russell Brand labelled a ‘ruthless, calculated sexual predator’ as trial begins

Key points

• A prosecutor has called Russell Brand a ruthless, calculated and manipulative sexual predator at the opening of his trial in London. Brand, 51, faces three counts of rape, three of sexual assault and one of indecent assault, involving six women over a period from 1999.
• He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The prosecutor told the jury the alleged incidents took place in several locations and that the women did not know one another.
• The trial at Southwark Crown Court is expected to last several weeks.