Russell Brand charged with further sexual offences including rape | UK news

Russell Brand has been charged with further sexual offences, including one count of rape, the Metropolitan police have said.

The 50-year-old former entertainer has been charged with one count of rape and one of sexual assault of two further alleged victims.

These charges are on top of the original charges of two counts of rape, one of indecent assault and two of sexual assault that he pleaded not guilty to in May this year.

A number of serious allegations of sexual abuse were first reported as part of an investigation by the Channel 4 Dispatches programme and the Sunday Times newspaper.

Testimony gathered from multiple women who had encountered Brand between 1999 and 2005 indicated an alleged pattern of predatory behaviour by the former comedian and television presenter, who has later styled himself as a wellness guru.

Including the additional charges brought on Tuesday, the alleged offences relate to six separate women.

Brand will appear at Westminster magistrates court on 20 January to answer to the two additional charges. He faces trial for the original five charges, which is due to begin on 16 June next year at Southwark crown court.

DCI Tariq Farooqi from the Metropolitan police, who is leading the investigation, said: “The women who have made reports, including those connected to the two new charges, continue to receive support from specially trained officers.

“The Met’s investigation remains ongoing, and detectives urge anyone affected by this case, or anyone with information, to come forward and speak with police. A dedicated team of investigators can be reached via email at CIT@met.police.uk.

“Support is also available through the independent charity Rape Crisis by contacting the 24/7 rape and sexual abuse support line.”

Speaking after he was charged in April, Brand said: “What I never was, was a rapist. I’ve never engaged in non-consensual activity.”

He added: “I’m now going to have the opportunity to defend these charges in court and I’m incredibly grateful for that.”