Prosecutors to open case against Brand in rape trial

Prosecutors are set to open their case against British comedian Russell Brand as he faces trial on charges of rape and sexual assault.

The 51-year-old is accused of groping women and forcing them into sexual acts, in allegations which date from 1999 to 2009.

A jury was selected at Southwark Crown Court across two days on Monday and yesterday, and prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC is due to open the case against Mr Brand today.

He faces three allegations of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one allegation of indecent assault, after being accused by six women.

Mr Brand denies all the charges.