Russell Brand is now ‘living in the US full time – and may be extradited to the UK to face sex crime charges’
RUSSELL Brand is now reportedly living in the US full time and could be extradited to the UK to face sex crime charges, it is claimed.
The actor and comedian, 49, has moved his young family from Oxfordshire to Florida, saying he is being “attacked” and “shut down” by the British authorities.
It’s understood they relocated last autumn before Donald Trump’s victory at the presidential election.
Scotland Yard is investigating the star over historic allegations of sexual assault.
But with him thought to have permanently left the UK it could result in potentially lengthy extradition proceedings if British prosecutors decide to charge Brand, reports the Sunday Times.
It comes after the ex Big Brother’s Big Mouth presenter was spotted for the first time since the BBC apologised for a “culture of silence” about his alleged behaviour.
He was seen leaving a yoga session in Florida on Friday.
He is staying with wife Laura and their children at a £1.9million bungalow in Santa Rosa Beach.
Met Police detectives are said to have passed the CPS a full file of evidence in November following a 13-month inquiry as a result of an expose by the Sunday Times and Channel 4’s Dispatches.
Brand has been interviewed under caution three times.
He denies any wrongdoing and says his sexual relationships were “absolutely always consensual”.
If the CPS considers a charge is authorised while Brand is across the pond, he could be detained by US cops under an international arrest warrant.
The Home Office would have to submit a formal extradition request to Washington on its behalf to seek his return to the UK for court proceedings.
However, Brand’s legal team would be able to turn to the US courts to appeal against such action.
THE TRUMAN SHOW
Neighbours in Santa Rose Beach say the star has been going to church in the town, featured in 1998 film The Truman Show.
A source said: “We see him in his 4×4. He always says hello.”
Meanwhile, the BBC apologised to staff members after dropping a bombshell report into Brand‘s behaviour.
The Beeb published the findings of an investigation into his time as a presenter for BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music.
The Peter Johnston review looked at eight complaints between 2006 and 2008 with two made while he still worked for the BBC.
Only one of those was formally made to the corporation.
It found a number of people “felt unable to raise” concerns about the presenter and believed he “would always get his way and therefore they stayed silent”.
It also said the actor and comedian was “perceived to be too influential” for staff to complain about.