Russell Brand Trial Podcast Offers Weekly Recap of Key Moments

Subscribers to The Crime Desk can now access "The Brand Breakdown," an exclusive bonus podcast providing weekly analysis of the key moments from comedian Russell Brand's rape trial. The podcast is hosted by veteran court reporters Caroline Cheetham and Liz Hull, who cover the proceedings at Southwark Crown Court.

Comedian, actor, and wellness advocate Russell Brand faces three counts of rape, three of sexual assault, and one of indecent assault. These charges relate to alleged offenses against six women that occurred between 1999 and 2009. Brand has denied all allegations.

The first week of the trial saw the prosecution present its opening statements, describing Brand as a "ruthless" sexual predator. Following this, the first two of the six accusers began giving evidence, testifying from behind screens.

One woman alleged that Brand raped her in a hotel room during the 1999 Labour Party conference. Another claimed that Brand attempted to drag her into a toilet at MTV's offices in 2001. During cross-examinations, Brand's barrister, Ian Winter KC, challenged both accounts. He suggested that the encounter at the Labour Party conference was consensual and characterized the incident at MTV as a "minor incident."

"The Brand Breakdown" is available exclusively to subscribers of The Crime Desk. In addition to the trial podcast, subscribers gain access to "The Trial+" and "On The Case" podcasts, as well as ad-free listening across the Daily Mail's true-crime content.