Brand 'raped woman visitor to Labour rally', court is told

Comedian and actor bailed after sex charges

- By Eve Wagstaff

RUSSELL Brand yesterday appeared in court accused of raping a woman in a hotel room when she attended a Labour Party conference.

It is alleged that, while the woman went to the bathroom, Brand removed some of his clothing and later pushed her on the bed, removed her underwear and raped her.

The court was told it followed a theatre event in Bournemouth in 1999.

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The comedian, 49, was charged last month with rape, indecent assault, oral rape and sexual assault relating to four women.