Russell Brand to be sentenced today at Southwark Crown Court

Jury blocked from hearing details of drug and alcohol dependency

During the trial, the jury was prevented from hearing evidence regarding Russell Brand’s dependency on alcohol and drugs. Defence barrister Ian Winter KC successfully argued for the exclusion of this information, stating that none of the complainants alleged Brand was under the influence during their encounters.

Testimony from former assistant Helen Berger concerning his "insane sexual appetite" was permitted by the court. However, references to a sex addiction and past clinical treatment were removed from her statement.

Former friend Mark Pinheiro was blocked from discussing Brand’s substance abuse or an incident at the 1999 Labour Party conference. Brand had been accused of rape during that 1999 event but was later found not guilty.

Prosecution excludes Katy Perry from trial proceedings

Prosecutors were prevented from including Brand’s ex-wife, Katy Perry, in their case against him. Lead prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC removed all mentions of the singer from her opening speech following submissions from the defence team.

The Crown Prosecution Service did not request a witness statement from Perry, with senior crown prosecutor David Roberts asserting that all reasonable lines of inquiry relevant to the charges were covered. Scotland Yard also did not request a statement from her regarding the case.

References to the comedian’s relationship with Perry after 2009 were categorised as sensitive by the prosecution. Prosecutors agreed to remove these references from the trial proceedings.

Witness testimony regarding Brand's character restricted

The prosecution was prevented from using testimony from former flatmate Andrew Dobson, who would warn female friends not to go there regarding the comedian. Prosecutors had unsuccessfully attempted to introduce this evidence during the trial.

Statements from Mark Pinheiro regarding his comment that Brand was not right were also excluded. The court did not allow the jury to consider these character assessments.

Exclusion of religious history and literary works

The prosecution agreed to exclude details regarding the comedian’s past religious interests, including his 2024 baptism in the River Thames attended by Bear Grylls. Extracts from his book My Booky Wook were read to the jury.

The follow-up publication, My Booky Wook 2, was excluded from the evidence. This work was omitted because it was published after the final 2009 allegations.

Jurors screened to ensure impartiality regarding media coverage

Jurors were selected who had not previously watched the programme.

Resurfaced footage of Brand and Perry sparks public interest

Their marriage lasted 14 months before Brand filed for divorce in December 2011.

In a 2013 interview, Perry stated that Brand ended the marriage via text message on 31 December 2011 while she was on tour. The two have not spoken since.

Following the conviction in London, a 2010 video clip from a Vanity Fair Oscars party has resurfaced online. The footage shows Brand flashing an "Obey" sign—a design by street artist Shepard Fairey—at Perry.

During the 2010 interview, Perry fell silent after Brand displayed the sign. The reporter asked her, "Katy, how do you deal with this guy?".

During the trial, defence lawyer Ian Winter suggested a witness might have been present during an alleged incident, potentially including "the defendant's future wife, Ms Katy Perry".

An unnamed source stated that Perry has received multiple offers to tell her story but refused to consider them until the conclusion of the trial.

Brand convicted of offences spanning 2004 to 2009

Brand was convicted of raping a woman in 2009.

He was also found guilty of sexually assaulting female television and radio workers between 2004 and 2009.