[arista]

[Russell Brand has been granted bail
and left Westminster Magistrates' Court in London,
after facing charges of rape, sexual assault
and indecent assault.

The broadcaster, comedian and actor faces
one allegation of rape, one allegation
of indecent assault, one of oral rape
and two further counts of sexual assault,
relating to four separate women.

Photographers surrounded his car as he arrived,
and he did not speak to the reporters gathered
outside the court building.

Surrounded by cameras and microphones,
it took him more than two minutes to walk
the short distance to the court door,
passing alongside blocks of photographers,
who were flanked by police officers.

Brand confirmed his name and address
in court, and that he is aged 49.

He is accused of sexually assaulting
a woman by touching her breasts and indecently
assaulting another by grabbing her arm
and dragging her towards a male toilet.

Brand, who was asked to stand in court for the
12-minute hearing, did not enter a plea.

He was charged by post last month.

The case will be heard at the Old Bailey.

His next court appearance will be 30 May,
and he confirmed during the hearing that
he understood his bail conditions.]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvg7y1xx87no