Russell Brand pleads not guilty to rape and sexual assault charges

Actor and comedian Russell Brand pleaded not guilty in a London court to rape and sexual assault charges involving four women dating back more than 25 years.

Brand, who turns 50 next week, denied two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. He said "not guilty" after each charge was read in Southwark Crown Court.

Prosecutors said the offenses took place between 1999 and 2005 - one in the English seaside town of Bournemouth and the other three in London.