Inside Russell Brand's rape trial, where the star watches intently from dock

Key points

• Comedian and actor Russell Brand has pleaded not guilty to three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault, relating to six women over a 10-year period from 1999. His trial opened at Southwark Crown Court in London this week.
• Prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones told the jury that Brand was a ruthless and manipulative sexual predator. Brand's barrister, Ian Winter KC, has said the accusers have re-imagined events.
• The trial is expected to last at least six weeks.