In recent weeks, solicitor and managing director Marcus Johnstone has provided expert press comment and analysis on two major and ongoing celebrity sex cases.
Comedian and entertainer Russell Brand, who pled not guilty to five historic charges of rape and sexual assault at Westminster Magistrates’ Court at the end of last month, will now stand trial in the Crown Court next year. Actor and political pundit Laurence Fox, who was released on bail after pleading not guilty to an 'upskirting' offence related to his sharing of an image of a journalist on X (Twitter), has chosen to be tried by a jury and will stand trial in 2026.
Both men have denied the allegations.
Speaking to The Daily Express, Marcus outlined the next steps for Brand and the typical progression of high-profile sexual offence cases, highlighting the difficulties of proving historic rape and sexual assault charges. He also responded to speculation as to what would happen if Brand refused to return to England for his trial, describing the legal consequences of non-appearance and options for recourse available to the authorities. Talking to Hello! Magazine, he discussed the nature and seriousness of the allegations, and the challenges of prosecuting and defending celebrity defendants.
Appearing in The Daily Mirror, Marcus outlined the nature of the charges against Fox and the reasons for a well-publicised investigation and trial, including a desire by the authorities to ‘deter or dissuade others’ from this type of alleged offending. Both comments were widely-publicised by various press and media outlets.
You can read Marcus’ comments by visiting our press and media portal.