Jury selection begins in Russell Brand rape and assault trial

Russell Brand’s trial opened at Southwark Crown Court in London, where prosecutors are expected to outline seven sexual-offence charges involving six women and alleged incidents between 1999 and 2009. The charges comprise three counts of rape, three of sexual assault and one of indecent assault; Brand has pleaded not guilty and says the sexual encounters were consensual. The jury consists of eight men and four women, and the judge warned jurors not to research the case after candidates familiar with earlier reporting were excused. The trial is expected to last about six weeks, though it could run longer.