Russell Brand's 'huge preoccupation' with sex, ex-flatmate testifies at trial

A former flatmate of Russell Brand testified Thursday that "sex was a huge preoccupation" for the entertainer, as the entertainer faces seven charges in a trial at Southwark Crown Court. Andrew Dobson, who knew Brand around 1999 in Bournemouth, is giving evidence on the fourth day of the trial.

Brand, 51, denies three counts of rape, three charges of sexual assault, and one charge of indecent assault. The allegations span a 10-year period between 1999 and 2009 and were made by six female complainants.

Dobson told the court he first met Brand around 1999 when he wrote music for a fringe event Brand was part of at the Labour Party conference. Prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC asked Dobson how he would describe Brand's character before he was famous. Dobson characterized Brand as "very vibrant, very egotistical," and "erratic."

"I would say lively," Dobson continued. "Sort of quite demanding and persuasive. I think erratic would be maybe a slightly better term."

Dobson testified that he recalled instances where "clearly the pursuit of getting somebody in bed would be a preoccupation" for Brand. He was staying in the same guesthouse with Brand and other cast members at the time.

Atmosphere After Alleged Assault

Dobson also described the morning after Brand is alleged to have raped a woman in a Bournemouth hotel room in 1999. He recalled Brand returning to the guesthouse with a sense of urgency. "My primary recollection is very hurried and rushed," Dobson said. "I recall Russell coming in and suddenly an urgency we had to leave, things being really hurried."

When asked by the prosecutor about the source of this urgency, Dobson replied, "I can't recall anything specific that was said. I only remember the atmosphere and panicked, urgent. Feeling tense and confusing."

He told the jury there had been an "abrupt change of atmosphere" from what had been a "fun week" to a sudden shift in tone.

Under cross-examination by Brand's barrister, Ian Winter KC, Dobson was asked if he had previously stated that Brand was one of few men he knew that women would swoon over. Dobson responded, "He was certainly charismatic."

Brand denies all charges, asserting that any sexual contact, if it occurred, was consensual. The trial is expected to last for six weeks.