‘I watched as Russell Brand was discovered responsible – his look was unusual’
A journalist has shared her disturbing recollections of Russell Brand’s trial, revealing the moment that left her questioning what she had witnessed in court
Brand will be sentenced on Monday(Image: James Manning/Press Association)
Russell Brand appeared a “strange and lonely” figure as he sat in the dock during his trial, according to one journalist who described what unfolded inside the courtroom as among the most disturbing experiences of her life.
Writing in The Times, Camilla Long reflected on the experience of watching the comedian face a series of allegations, detailing the moments that stood out during the proceedings and the impression he made in court.
Brand, 51, was found guilty of raping a 21-year-old fan in 2009 and sexually assaulting three women in separate incidents between 2004 and 2009. He was cleared of two further rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault.
Long said the comedian appeared unable to shake off the persona that had defined much of his public image, even when answering questions about the women who had accused him.
She recalled how Brand had described one of his alleged victims as “wide-eyed” and “flirty”, while using a string of other colourful descriptions. Another woman, who accused him of raping her at a Labour Party conference, was described as “interesting to me at that time”.
Long questioned whether his language demonstrated genuine interest in the women or whether he was continuing to present himself through the same seductive image that had previously served him so well.
Russell Brand and wife Laura(Image: Getty Images)
She wrote: “As I listened to the evidence in court, I began to think another word in fact suited his views better. ‘Dirty.’ It was the word he used for one of them in private. And, as it turned out, it was a word that defined the whole case.”
The journalist described sitting through the evidence at Southwark Crown Court as an exceptionally difficult experience, particularly while listening to the account of a woman who said Brand had raped her anally after inviting her to his home.
She recalled writing a note during the proceedings: “A healthy society simply doesn’t have this happening to it.”
Long also highlighted the approach taken by Brand’s defence barrister, who challenged the woman’s account and portrayed her as an obsessed fan.
Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Russell Brand in the dock(Image: Elizabeth Cook/Press Association)
The court heard how Brand allegedly told the woman to “Clear up the mess you’ve made” following the incident. He had also reportedly saved her contact details in his phone under the name “Tart”.
Brand’s defence argued that his fame meant women willingly pursued him and that the allegations were false.
Away from the evidence, Long was struck by the comedian’s appearance in the dock. She described him as “pin-thin, with paperclip limbs and hollow, black eyes”, adding that he cut a “strange, lonely figure in his glass cage”.
He was accompanied by his wife, his American manager and a former boxer acting as his minder.
Long also noted that Brand had told the court he struggled to find anyone willing to provide character evidence for him, saying he had been deserted.
Brand had described one of his alleged victims as “wide-eyed” and “flirty”(Image: Getty)
However, several people still attended to support him, including his wife and father-in-law, golfer Bernard Gallacher.
Brand denied all the charges throughout the proceedings. His legal team argued he had been wrongly accused and was the victim of a media conspiracy.
Two further allegations against him are being investigated. He remains in custody ahead of sentencing on Monday.
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