Russell Brand arrives at court as jury hears allegations of a 'culture of fear'

Russell Brand has returned to Southwark Crown Court for the latest day of his trial on rape and sexual-assault charges, all of which he denies. The 51-year-old comedian and influencer arrived alongside his wife, Laura Gallacher, as proceedings continued following testimony from women making allegations against him. According to the report, Brand appeared in a brown checked overcoat with an open white shirt, grey waistcoat and black-and-white necktie. A large group of journalists was waiting outside the court, but he made no comment as he entered. His appearance followed earlier evidence heard by the jury concerning alleged incidents said to have taken place between 2004 and 2009. The court has heard evidence from three women who allege that Brand raped or sexually assaulted them, the source reports. Brand denies all charges. The article says jurors were previously told that he operated under what was described in court as a "culture of fear" and that two alleged attacks were witnessed by other people who did not intervene. These remain allegations being considered in an ongoing criminal trial and have not been established as facts by a verdict. In one allegation referenced by the report, a woman claimed Brand "leapt" on her before she pushed him away. The prosecution's case and witness testimony are being presented to jurors, while Brand contests the accusations against him. Brand's latest arrival therefore came as the trial remained underway and no verdict had been reached. Gallacher accompanied him to court, while Brand himself did not address the assembled media. The claims described in the proceedings are disputed, and the jury will be responsible for determining the charges after hearing the evidence presented by both the prosecution and defence.