Prosecution Says Brand’s Defense Distorts Evidence in London Trial

At Southwark Crown Court, prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones told jurors that six women who do not know one another had no apparent reason to bring the allegations. She argued that a 2023 Channel 4 documentary and newspaper coverage did not cause them to reshape their memories, but helped them realize they were not alone. Brand has pleaded not guilty to three rape charges, three sexual assault charges and one count of attempted indecent assault. The alleged incidents date from 1999 to 2009. The women have lifelong anonymity under UK law.

Karmy-Jones challenged Brand’s account, saying it relied on partial truths presented deceptively. She argued that he remembered little in police interviews but had since supplied more details, and urged jurors to consider the complainants’ accounts despite disputes over some memories. She also addressed testimony from Brand’s wife, Laura Gallacher, describing her positively while noting that she did not know him for most of the period covered by the allegations.

Brand testified earlier in the trial and denied the accusations. He said he understood consent, while acknowledging that some of his past conduct was wrong in retrospect. Gallacher told the court he was a caring husband and father.

The judge directed jurors to set aside the documentary and decide the case on evidence tested in court. He said the prosecution must prove each charge and that any uncertainty must be resolved in Brand’s favor; a unanimous verdict is required to convict on any count. The defense is scheduled to present its closing arguments on Monday, and jurors are expected to begin deliberating on Tuesday, November 3.