Prosecutors omit Katy Perry from opening statement in Russell Brand rape trial
UK prosecutors excluded references to Katy Perry from their opening remarks in Russell Brand's rape and sexual assault trial after his lawyers objected, though the singer was mentioned later by the defendant.
Prosecutors at London's Southwark Crown Court agreed to leave any mention of Katy Perry out of their opening statement in the rape and sexual assault trial of comedian Russell Brand after his legal team raised objections. The decision was disclosed after reporting restrictions were lifted following the trial's conclusion on Thursday, Nov. 5.
Brand, 51, was convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault, while jurors acquitted him of two additional rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault. He had pleaded not guilty to all seven charges.
"The prosecution recognise that matters post 2009 involving his relationship with Katy Perry may be sensitive, as may his previous faiths, and we are content to remove these from the opening," wrote lead prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC in pre-trial submissions.
The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that Perry did not provide a witness statement during the investigation and that investigators pursued all reasonable lines of inquiry relevant to the charges. Senior prosecutor David Roberts said the evidence from the women and other witnesses established Brand's conduct during a period when his entertainment career was expanding.
During his testimony, Brand referenced his marriage to Perry, describing the relationship as bringing him "staggering fame." The couple had dated from 2009 and married in a Hindu ceremony in Rajasthan, India, in 2010; they separated by the end of 2011.
The offenses for which Brand was convicted involved four women and occurred between 2004 and 2009, prior to his marriage. He was denied bail and remained in custody pending sentencing scheduled for Monday, Nov. 9. Judge Joel Bennathan indicated that Brand faces a lengthy prison term, with rape convictions in England and Wales carrying a maximum of life imprisonment and sentencing guidelines ranging from four to 19 years, while sexual assault convictions can result in up to 10 years.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support to survivors and their loved ones in English and Spanish at 800-656-HOPE.