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

Russell Brand has also been charged with other sexual offences, including a rape, the Metropolitan police said.

The 50-year-old former artist was charged with one count of rape and one count of sexual assault against two alleged victims.

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

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

Testimony collected from multiple women who met Brand between 1999 and 2005 pointed to a pattern of alleged predatory behavior by the former comedian and television host, who later described himself as a wellness guru.

The alleged crimes, including the additional charges brought Tuesday, involve six separate women.

Brand will appear at Westminster magistrates court on January 20 to answer to two additional charges. He will stand trial on the first five charges, starting at Southwark crown court on June 16 next year.

DCI Tariq Farooqi of the Metropolitan police, who is leading the investigation, said: “Women who reported, including those in connection with the two new charges, continue to receive support from specially trained officers.

“The Met’s investigation is ongoing and detectives are urging anyone affected by this case or with information to come forward and speak to police. A dedicated investigation team can be contacted by email at CIT@met.police.uk.”

“Support can also be provided through independent charity Rape Crisis by contacting its 24/7 rape and sexual abuse support line.”

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

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