LONDON, Nov 4 — A UK jury Tuesday began to consider its verdict in the trial of British comedian and actor Russell Brand, charged with seven counts of rape and sexual or indecent assault.

Six women have given evidence, recounting alleged offences including anal, vaginal and oral rape between 1999 and 2009 when Brand rose to fame as a stand-up comedian and television presenter.

He has pleaded not guilty at Southwark Crown Court to all the charges, saying that although he used to be promiscuous he always had consensual sex.

The prosecution earlier described him as a “ruthless, calculated and manipulative” sexual predator.