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.

An investigation was launched after Brand was accused of sexual offences by several women, in a joint investigation by the Sunday Times, the Times and Channel 4’s Dispatches, in September 2023.

Brand was charged by post last month. In a video previously posted on his X account, Brand said he welcomed the opportunity to prove his innocence.

On Friday he appeared in court wearing a dark blue shirt, dark grey trousers and carrying a pair of sunglasses. He spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address in Buckinghamshire, and that he understood the proceedings.

The chief magistrate, Paul Goldspring, told Brand he was being released on bail and would be expected to attend a hearing at the Old Bailey on 30 May. Brand thanked the magistrate, before being excused. He said nothing when leaving court flanked by three minders, jumping into a waiting car and being driven away.

Brand presented a BBC Radio 2 show between 2006 and 2008 as well as the Big Brother spin-off shows Big Brother’s Big Mouth and Big Brother: Celebrity Hijack in the 00s.

The presenter and actor was married to the US pop singer Katy Perry from 2010 to 2012, and is now married to Laura Gallacher – the sister of the TV presenter Kirsty. The couple have two children, Mabel and Peggy.