Russell Brand Accusers Haunted for Years, Prosecutor Tells Jury
Prosecutor Reil Karmy-Jones KC told jurors at Southwark Crown Court that some women in Russell Brand’s rape and sexual assault trial had been haunted for years…
LONDON — Russell Brand accusers haunted for years by what they allege happened, prosecutor Reil Karmy-Jones KC told jurors at Southwark Crown Court on Friday, as the comedian’s trial continued. Brand denies seven charges of rape and sexual assault.
The case brings together six women who, Karmy-Jones said, do not know one another. In her closing speech, the prosecutor argued they had no reason to come forward beyond seeking some closure.
“Truth they have lived with, which in some cases has haunted them for years,” Karmy-Jones told the jury.
What did the prosecutor tell the jury?
Karmy-Jones said the women had moved on with their lives, but the trial had made them revisit what they say happened. She also said they had not sought publicity or the limelight.
Her account focused on the complainants’ descriptions of Brand’s alleged changes in manner. One account, she told jurors, described a shift from charm to frightening and nasty behavior. Karmy-Jones also cited testimony that Brand did not stop when asked.
“In the rape cases, he kept on going until he achieved his ultimate aim,” she said.
The prosecution also challenged the suggestion that a documentary had led the women to reshape their recollections. Karmy-Jones said the documentary had not created their accounts, arguing instead that the women had recognized they were not alone and had come forward.
She addressed questions about what an accuser could remember, including details of clothing. Karmy-Jones argued that the experience of rape could occupy more of a person’s memory than the specifics of an outfit. She contrasted the defendant’s earlier interview, in which he could not remember much, with what she described as his current ability to recall details about the week.
Brand denies the charges
Brand, 51, faces three counts of rape, three charges of sexual assault and one allegation of attempted indecent assault. He denies all seven charges. The proceedings are taking place at London’s Southwark Crown Court.
The defence, represented by Polly Dyer, told jurors Brand had pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis in 1995 and had been fined. Dyer said he had no other convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings.
“He received a fine. He has no other convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings,” Dyer said, describing the agreed facts presented to the court.
Brand’s wife, Laura, gave evidence the previous day and described him as kind and a wonderful father. Karmy-Jones called her an undoubtedly lovely wife who had given evidence bravely, while noting she was not with Brand during the periods connected to the charges.
“The reality is she wasn't there then, for the first five counts, she wasn't with him, nor was she with him for the final two counts,” Karmy-Jones told the jury.
The prosecutor also addressed Brand’s apparent change in character, saying he may now be different from the man he was between 1999 and 2009. The trial continues.
