Jury begins deliberation in sexual offence case against comedian Russell Brand

The jury at London's Southwark Crown Court has retired to deliberate on the final verdict in the sexual offence case against renowned comedian Russell Brand. Six women have brought seven separate allegations of sexual exploitation against the 51-year-old Brand, occurring over a 10-year period from 1999 to 2009. The case includes serious accusations of rape and sexual assault. Notably, last week, one charge of indecent assault was amended to 'attempted indecent assault'. Brand has denied all seven allegations and maintained his innocence.

The trial lasted three weeks, during which Russell Brand was described as a cruel, calculating, and manipulative sexual predator. The jury consists of 8 men and 4 women. Mr Justice Bennath has given clear instructions to the jury that only a unanimous decision will be accepted. This means the verdict will be valid only if all 12 jury members agree on the same decision. The judge sent the jury for deliberation after reviewing the evidence and discussing each charge in detail.

Government prosecutor Reil Carmi-Jones KC stated in closing arguments on Friday that the six women who accused Brand do not know each other, yet a consistent pattern of Brand's behaviour is evident in all their accounts. The prosecutor argued that these women did not take this step to gain fame, participate in a documentary, or seek compensation. They have no personal gain from this case, but rather a desire for mental peace by bringing the truth of what happened to them years ago to light. The prosecution's primary argument is that Brand used his celebrity status to sexually manipulate women.

On the other hand, Brand's barrister Ian Winter KC argued on Monday that the 'Dispatches' documentary regarding Brand's alleged sexual misconduct has contaminated the judicial process. He argued that the women took a very long time to come forward to the police, which constitutes a significant delay. Furthermore, he questioned why, among the many women Brand had relationships with, only three allegations of rape were made within that 10-year period. Brand's defence is that all his encounters and relationships were consensual.

When Russell Brand arrived at court on Tuesday morning, he was accompanied by his wife Laura Brand and some associates. Brand was dressed in a black suit with a knee-length black woolen coat and a long white scarf. He did not react to questions asked by the media.

Russell Brand was a well-known British comedian and actor who had worked in various TV shows and films in the past.