Russell Brand arrived at Southwark Crown Court this morning in a black Mercedes-Benz van, which parked directly outside the building where a throng of reporters and photographers had already staked out the scene. Brand lingered inside the vehicle for about a minute - presumably steeling himself, or perhaps just enjoying the last few seconds of not being in court - before emerging in a dark suit, a black and white striped shirt, a long white tie, and sunglasses. He reached for his wife's hand, and the pair walked toward the court together.

Speaking to the media on his way in, Brand said he was feeling "concerned but hopeful." He elaborated: "Today I feel blessed, I feel of course concerned but hopeful that this process will lead to good outcomes for everybody involved." A sentiment that, one suspects, everyone involved would very much like to share.

The trial is expected to begin today, with opening statements from the prosecution setting out an overview of the allegations against the 51-year-old comedian. Brand faces three counts of rape, three of sexual assault, and one of indecent assault against six women, with allegations dating from 1999 to 2009. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

He was pictured arriving with his wife, Laura Gallacher. A jury was sworn in yesterday, and the judge, Mr Justice Bennathan, warned them to ignore past reporting about Brand and allegations of sexual misconduct - a instruction that, in the age of the internet, is roughly as enforceable as telling people not to think about elephants.

The Press Association reported that news crews had been setting up shop outside the court several hours before the trial began. According to the agency: "A crowd of members of the press were gathered outside Southwark Crown Court hours before Russell Brand's trial was due to start. Photographers, video journalists and news presenters could be seen in position at around 7.30am, while a line of reporters waited to get in to the court building. Members of court security were also outside the building, along with a small group of police officers. One police officer was heard telling members of the press to stay behind barriers which were in place directly outside the building."

The trial is scheduled to begin at 10am. Follow along for live updates throughout the day as the case gets under way.