Russell Brand told the court he did not commit the crimes and believed sexual consent was "fundamental, essential, necessary" and "more important than sex itself". newsiviewlistenLoading ABC NewsNews HomeRussell Brand's friends won't 'touch him with a bargepole' over alleged sex crimes, court hearsShareShare articleRussell Brand's friends won't 'touch him with a bargepole' over alleged sex crimes, court hearsBy Europe correspondent Bridget Rollason and Claire Campbell in LondonTopic:Courts.