Kevin Rawlinson

Presenter released on bail by Westminster magistrates court and told he faces Old Bailey trial on five charges

Russell Brand has appeared in court on charges of rape and sexual assault.

During a brief hearing at Westminster magistrates court on Friday, he was told he faced a trial at the Old Bailey in London on the five sexual offence charges.

News comes as artists including Pulp, Paul Weller and Primal Scream defend Irish rap trio from criticism

Counter-terrorism police are investigating footage that appears to show Kneecap calling for politicians to be killed, and shouting “up Hamas, up Hezbollah”, while dozens of artists – including Pulp, Paul Weller and Primal Scream – have defended the Irish rap trio from staunch criticism from politicians on both sides of the Commons benches.

Kevin Rawlinson

Russell Brand appears in court on charges of rape and sexual assault

Kneecap row: police assessing ‘kill MP’ and ‘up Hamas, up Hezbollah’ footage