The Russell Brand I saw in court was not the flamboyant character most people will know

In the dock Brand's statue-like demeanour was broken only occasionally, when, during some of the evidence, he closed his eyes for several seconds, perhaps in silent prayer or meditation. There was no fidgeting or movement. He didn't flinch.

He maintained his composure even during some of the most harrowing evidence, when one of the victims told the court how blood and faeces had been left on Brand's bed sheets after he had raped her at his house.

During the testimony, Brand let out a sigh and looked at the ceiling with his eyes closed.

Speculation grew about whether Brand would give evidence - defendants can choose whether to take to the stand in their trials. It became a daily talking point among the reporters.