How long will it last and what will happen on day one: Everything you need to know about the Russell Brand trial

By JORDANA SEAL, JUNIOR COMMISSIONING EDITOR, THE CRIME DESK

Published: 09:32 BST, 12 October 2026 | Updated: 09:34 BST, 12 October 2026

The trial of Russell Brand is due to start on October 12 at Southwark Crown Court.

The 51-year-old comedian, broadcaster and actor will go on trial for rape and sexual assault after being accused by six women of sexual abuse allegations spanning ten years from 1999 to 2009.

Brand has denied the allegations, and previously said in a video he shared online: 'I'm now going to have the opportunity to defend these charges in court and I'm incredibly grateful for that.'

The trial is expected to last between six and eight weeks and Daily Mail reporters Rebecca Camber, Liz Hull and Caroline Cheetham will be there every day.

The Trial podcast will also be covering the case, releasing three full episodes a week.

Here’s everything you need to know before the trial starts:

Pictured: Russell Brand arriving at Southwark Crown Court 

What can you expect on day one?

On the first day of the trial the jury will be asked a series of questions and sworn in before being sent home to talk to their families and confirm that they’ll be free for the entire duration of the trial.

Once the jury is selected the indictment will be read, followed by the opening from the prosecution before evidence is called. But this is unlikely to be on day one.

The defence does not do an opening statement, just a closing statement.

How is this different from an American trial?

On October 12, coverage of the case will start to appear in every national outlet but it will still be reported on very carefully.

Unlike in the US, cameras are banned, lawyers will not be giving interviews outside court and pundits will not appear on breakfast shows to analyse strategy.

These precautions are put in place to make sure the jury and potential jury pool are not influenced, ensuring a fair trial.

The inside of the courtroom in England and Wales is also very different to the US - it is formal with minimal humour and theatrics.

In America the defendant sits with their legal team but in England and Wales they will sit in the dock.

And while barristers in the US typically roam around the courtroom they will only stand when they address the court.

Finally, while there are rare cases where it is in the public interest for the sentencing to be televised, in this trial, it is unlikely.

How is the jury selected?

Anyone can be called to do jury service as long as they’re over the age of 18 and under the age of 76.

They are chosen at random from the electoral register so you can’t curate a jury to have particular characteristics.

If you have been summoned for jury duty, failure to attend without a lawful reason would be a criminal offence.

But exceptions include being on bail for a criminal offence or subject to the mental health act.

You can only challenge the jury before they are sworn in. They will be told the key names in the proceedings and the defendant will be able to see if they can identify any members before this happens.

Who are the main players in the courtroom?

The lead councel for the prosecution is Riel Karmy-Jones KC. She was recently appointed as the chair of the Criminal Bar Association. She has instructed on sensitive and complex criminal cases before the courts, including the Jaxon Dixon murder trial.

While the lead defence barrister will be Ian Winter KC, a criminal specialist with a particular emphasis on fraud and financial crime.

The judge will be the Honourable Mr Justice Bennathan, who has worked predominantly at the criminal bar for 35 years. He was appointed to the bench of the High Court in 2022 at 60-years-old.