Russell Brand on trial in London on rape charges

Comedian Russell Brand arrived at a London court Monday for the start of his criminal trial. The proceedings could result in prison time if jurors find him guilty of sex offenses. Security guards flanked him outside the venue.

His wife, Laura Gallacher, accompanied him. They walked into Southwark Crown Court together. The trial will likely run 10 to 12 weeks.

Brand, 51, entered not guilty pleas to all seven charges. The counts include three of rape. They also include three of sexual assault and one of indecent assault.

The allegations involve six women. The events reportedly happened between 1999 and 2009. Brand stayed free on bail before the court date.

Prosecutors detailed the claims during earlier hearings. Brand is accused of raping one woman in a London hotel room during a Labour Party conference. Prosecutors said he grabbed the breasts of a television worker and forced her into a sex act in a toilet.

They also stated he kissed and groped a radio worker. British law grants lifetime anonymity to victims of alleged sexual crimes.

Brand gained fame through stand-up comedy and open talks about drug and alcohol use. He hosted television shows and a BBC radio program in the early 2000s. He later acted in movies like “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and “Get Him to the Greek.”

He left mainstream media in recent years. He moved to Florida. He built an audience on the internet with videos about wellness, conspiracy theories and religion.

Crown courts in London handle serious criminal cases sent from lower magistrate courts. Twelve jurors hear the evidence presented by barristers. The judge manages the legal rules and decides any punishment following a guilty verdict.

The trial continues this week. More witness testimony will follow.