Russell Brand Rape Trial: Podcast Offers Week One Recap

A new podcast series, "The Brand Breakdown," is offering weekly recaps of comedian Russell Brand's ongoing rape trial. Hosted by veteran court reporters Caroline Cheetham and Liz Hull, the podcast is available exclusively to subscribers of The Crime Desk.

Week one of the trial at Southwark Crown Court saw the prosecution present its case, describing Brand as a "ruthless" sexual predator. The first two of six accusers subsequently gave evidence behind screens. The prosecution has brought charges of three counts of rape, three of sexual assault, and one of indecent assault against Brand, relating to alleged offenses against six women between 1999 and 2009. Brand denies all charges.

During the first week, one accuser alleged that Brand raped her in a hotel room during the 1999 Labour Party conference. Another claimed Brand attempted to drag her into a toilet at MTV offices in 2001. Brand's defense barrister, Ian Winter KC, challenged both accounts during cross-examination, suggesting the hotel encounter was consensual and the MTV incident a "minor incident."

Subscribers to The Crime Desk also gain access to additional content, including "The Trial+" and "On The Case," along with ad-free listening across the Daily Mail's true-crime podcast lineup.