October 15, 2026
Riel Karmy-Jones KC and Katie Bacon of Red Lion Chambers are instructed in the prosecution of comedian and actor Russell Brand.
Riel is leading the prosecution team which also includes Suki Dhadda of 2KBW.
The prosecution opened its case on 14 October at Southwark Crown Court, following the start of the trial on 12 October 2026.
Russell Brand faces seven charges involving six women, comprising three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault, relating to alleged offences between 1999 and 2009.
Riel Karmy-Jones KC has extensive experience prosecuting and defending serious sexual offences cases, including allegations of historic sexual abuse and rape and cases involving children as both victims and accused: https://redlionchambers.co.uk/barrister/riel-karmy-jones-kc/
Katie Bacon appears for the prosecution and defence in all criminal matters in the Crown, Youth, and Magistrates’ Court. She is a CPS Grade 3 panel advocate and a Grade 2 advocate on the serious crime and fraud specialist panels: https://redlionchambers.co.uk/barrister/katie-bacon/#profile
The trial is expected to run for several weeks.
News stories:
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/live/2026/oct/14/russell-brand-trial-latest-news-updates
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3qjn45pepx1o
https://www.itv.com/news/2026-10-14/russell-brand-was-calculated-and-manipulative-predator-prosecutors-tell-trial
https://news.sky.com/story/russell-brand-trial-updates-what-is-he-accused-of-rape-sexual-assault-indecent-live-court-prosecution-defence-jury-13592674
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/russell-brand-trial-court-case-latest-updates-b3066177.html
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/10/14/russell-brand-a-ruthless-sexual-predator-court-told/
https://www.channel4.com/news/russell-brand-a-ruthless-sexual-predator-court-told
https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/comedian-russell-brand-was-sexual-predator-uk-prosecutors-say-2026-10-14/
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/12/arts/russell-brand-trial-what-to-know.html
