Russell Brand says allegations had devastating impact on him

Russell Brand has said a documentary that made allegations about his behaviour had a "devastating" effect on him, and made friends and colleagues turn against him.

The entertainer has begun giving evidence as his defence case gets under way at his trial at Southwark Crown Court.

Brand, 51, is accused of three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one charge of attempted indecent assault.

The allegations, made by six female complainants, span a 10-year period between 1999 and 2009. He denies all the charges.

After the prosecution closed their case on Wednesday morning, Brand entered the witness box and took the oath as his evidence began.