Woman tells court alleged rape by Russell Brand 'happened so fast'

Russell Brand denies rape allegations at London court

The full report

British actor and comedian Russell Brand has appeared at Southwark Crown Court in London for the second week of his trial on charges of rape and sexual assault. The trial is expected to last around six weeks.

A woman has given evidence at the trial, alleging that Brand said "come on, don't be a spoilsport" before dragging her into the toilet of a London bar in 2004. Brand, 51, denies the allegations, which include three counts of rape, three of sexual assault and one of indecent assault.

The woman, who worked for MTV, told police that she had wanted to meet Brand because she had seen him on television and thought he was really funny. However, less than a minute after talking to him at the bar, she said he assaulted her.

She described the assault as happening 'so fast', and said that Brand had a 'weird, maniacal grin' on his face as he grabbed her breasts. She also alleged that he orally raped her in the toilet, saying that he was holding her forcibly by her head and hair.

Brand has denied the allegations, telling police after his arrest that he had never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity and that the accusers might have re-imagined events.

The trial at Southwark Crown Court is ongoing, with a total of six complainants set to give evidence against Brand. The 51-year-old is accused of rape, sexual assault, and indecent assault against the women between 1999 and 2009.