Russell Brand's wife to give evidence after rape trial hears friends 'wouldn't touch him with a barge pole'

Russell Brand's wife to give evidence after rape trial hears friends 'wouldn't touch him with a barge pole' Brand's latest appearance in court comes after he delivered hours worth of evidence on Wednesday, during which he admitted longtime friends wouldn't 'touch me with a barge pole' Russell Brand's wife will give evidence to the court today, the day after her husband said during his rape and sexual assault trial he has focused on recalling events "at the expense of my marriage". The former comedian, whose wife has been present in court for most of the trial, said it has been "deeply traumatic" since the allegations were made against him, adding that he has focused on recalling events "at the expense of my marriage, my children and my health". Brand has pleaded not guilty to three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one allegation of indecent assault, relating to six women between 1999 and 2009. Speaking at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday in response to questions from prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC in relation to alleged inconsistencies in his prepared statement to police and what he has told the jury with regard to one of the complainants, Brand said: "Ms Karmy-Jones, I completely agree." "Since these events occurred there's been escalating recollection. Its been a deeply traumatic episode of my life. I've focused on at the expense of my marriage, my children and health. I ask your forgiveness, well not your forgiveness. I recognise that this recollection includes small details that are inconsistent and I acknowledge that." The former actor, 51, previously told his trial that friends will not "touch me with a barge pole" after he was accused of rape and sexual assault. Brand said the claims had "consumed" his whole life after he entered the witness box just after 10am on Wednesday and took the oath in a clear and deliberate voice. He told jurors he could not get anyone close to him to give evidence in his defence, after being publicly accused of offences against women three years ago. The comedian, actor and podcaster denied each of the six charges against him when asked if he had committed the alleged offences by his barrister Ian Winter KC. Mr Winter asked Brand about the effect of being accused of rape and sexual misconduct in reporting by the Sunday Times, The Times, and a Channel 4 Dispatches documentary which aired in September 2023. Brand replied: "It was devastating." Mr Winter asked: "Were you able to persuade a single person with relevant evidence to give to come to give evidence on your behalf?" Brand replied: "I have not." The barrister continued: "Would they touch you with a barge pole?", and Brand replied: "No." Taking to the witness box, Brand declined an offer from the judge to sit, and stood up straight with his hands behind his back while giving evidence. He continued to project loudly to the court, as he answered the first flurry of questions with a simple "yes" or "no".