Russell Brand trial for rape and sexual assault begins – live updates

Russell Brand back in Southwark Crown Court today where his rape and sexual assault trial is set to begin

Brand was driven to the court in a black Mercedes-Benz van, which parked directly outside the court building, where crowds of reporters and photographers had gathered ahead of his trial.

Brand waited inside the vehicle for around a minute before stepping out, wearing a dark suit, a black and white striped shirt, a long white tie and sunglasses. He reached out for his wife’s hand before the pair walked together towards the court.