Brand's defence argues rough sex with consent is not a crime
At closing arguments, Brand's lawyer made a statement. Being rude or disrespectful during sex is not criminal if consent exists.
Russell Brand's lawyer has told Southwark Crown Court that poor sexual behaviour does not equal criminal behaviour if both people consent. Brand denies three rape charges, three counts of sexual assault and one attempted indecent assault.
The charges span six women across ten years from 1999. Ian Winter KC argued that journalists reporting on Brand's conduct had damaged the case.
Winter said the media had harmed justice by creating a public narrative against Brand before trial. Winter questioned why none of the women reported the allegations during the MeToo movement.
He argued the long delay between the alleged offences and the reports meant memories were unreliable. Winter told the jury that Brand's wife would not have married him if the charges were true.
She also would not have had three children with him.
- Russell Brand, 51
- Defendant age
- Six women, ten years from 1999
- Scope of allegations
Why it mattersThe trial shows how courts balance consent as a legal defence with proof of criminal behaviour. It also tests how media reporting affects witness testimony.
AustraliaAustralian courts follow similar legal principles, so the trial outcome and jury reasoning may influence how Australian courts handle sexual assault cases.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
