LONDON — British comedian and actor Russell Brand will now face trial in October 2026 after prosecutors added two new sexual assault-related charges, according to a ruling at Southwark Crown Court on Monday. Reuters reported that the case now involves seven charges linked to six women, with alleged incidents dating from 1999 to 2009.
Investigation Details
According to court proceedings cited by Reuters, Brand had originally been scheduled to stand trial in June on five counts. The timetable changed after prosecutors filed two additional offences in December, prompting the court to move the full trial to October. The hearing on Monday was a preliminary procedural session, and Brand was not required to attend.
Charges & Legal Status
Court records show Brand has pleaded not guilty to all seven counts, which include:
- Three counts of rape
- Four counts of indecent or sexual assault
The allegations involve six women and span a 10-year period between 1999 and 2009. The court indicated the trial could last up to eight weeks.
Court Proceedings
Judge Joel Bennathan told the court the revised schedule reflects the expanded scope of the prosecution case following the newly added charges. The matter remains before the UK criminal courts, and no findings of guilt have been made. Under UK law, the charges remain allegations unless proven in court.
Background
Brand, once a prominent British broadcaster and film actor, has in recent years shifted away from mainstream media toward online commentary and political discussion content. The delayed trial marks a significant procedural step in one of the UK’s highest-profile ongoing celebrity criminal cases.
