Inside the courtroom during Russell Brand’s trial
Seven charges. Six women. Allegations spanning a decade. Russell Brand’s trial at Southwark Crown Court had been expected to last up to 10 weeks. But just four weeks in, I was listening to the judge summing up the case before sending the jury out to consider its verdicts.
The prosecution gave their closing statements on Friday 30 October, and the defence gave theirs on Monday 2 November. I arrived at Southwark Crown Court at 7.50am on Tuesday 3 November to hear the judge’s summing-up to the jury.
I was expecting to be queuing outside the court for quite some time. However, there were only a handful of paparazzi and one Channel 4 journalist in front of me. By 8am, I was ushered through the airport-like security and a friendly journalist showed me to Court 3, where Brand’s trial was listed.
More journalists began to arrive outside the courtroom, and as a member of the public, my hopes of sitting in the room where it happens were fading. With 15 minutes before proceedings were due to begin, I was moved to Court 15 with other members of the public and press who could not fit in the main courtroom and watched on videolink as the judge started his summary. The details of which can be read on the BBC here.
Once the summary came to an end, the judge explained that he, at this stage, could only accept unanimous verdicts, meaning all jurors had to find Brand guilty or not guilty for each charge.
Civil claims against people in positions of power and influence
Criminal cases require proof beyond reasonable doubt, while civil claims are decided on the balance of probabilities.
Criminal proceedings are not the only route available to people who have experienced sexual abuse. A civil claim for compensation is a separate legal process, and a criminal conviction is not required to bring one.
In Bolt Burdon Kemp’s Abuse team, we regularly support survivors who have experienced abuse by people in positions of trust, authority and influence. This can include celebrities, teachers, religious leaders, coaches, employers and other trusted individuals.
Many survivors worry that a person’s status will prevent them from being believed. In our experience, those concerns are common, but they should never stop someone from seeking advice about their options.
A reminder for survivors
High-profile abuse cases can prompt people to reflect on their own experiences of sexual abuse, particularly when the allegations involve someone well-known or influential.
For anyone who has experienced abuse, it is important to know that a person’s status or influence should not prevent you from seeking advice or exploring your legal options. Your voice matters, no matter how powerful, respected or well-known somebody may be.
Whether the abuse happened recently or many years ago, speaking to an experienced solicitor can help you make sense of the choices available to you. You do not have to navigate the process alone.
If you would like to discuss your circumstances in confidence, you can contact Maddie Goel directly at maddiegoel@bbkllp.co.uk or on 020 7288 4869.
