New rape, sexual assault charges against Russell Brand

London: British authorities brought new counts of rape and sexual assault against comedian Russell Brand, who is already facing similar charges involving four women.

The U.K.’s Crown Prosecution Service said the new charges – one count of rape and one of sexual assault – against Brand were in relation to two further women. The alleged offences took place in 2009, the CPS said on Tuesday, London time.

Comedian Russell Brand outside court in May.Credit: AP

Brand, 50, had already been charged in April with two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. The charges were brought following an 18-month investigation sparked when four women alleged they had been assaulted by the controversial comedian.

Prosecutors said that these offences took place between 1999 and 2005 – one in the English seaside town of Bournemouth and the other three in London. Brand pleaded not guilty to those charges in a London court.

He is expected to appear next in court on January 20, in relation to the two new charges brought against him. A trial has also been scheduled for June next year and is expected to last four to five weeks.

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The Get Him To The Greek actor, known for risqué stand-up routines, battles with drugs and alcohol, has dropped out of the mainstream media in recent years.

He built a large following online with videos mixing wellness and conspiracy theories, as well as discussing religion.

When the first batch of charges were announced in April, Brand said that he welcomed the opportunity to prove his innocence.

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