The trial of comedian and actor Russell Brand opened Wednesday at Southwark Crown Court in London, with prosecutors alleging he was a "ruthless and calculated" sexual predator.

Brand, 51, faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. The charges relate to six female complainants and alleged incidents between 1999 and 2009. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC told the jury that the women "did not know each other" and "came forward independently of each other." She described Brand's desire for sexual contact as "indiscriminate and voracious," adding that he was charming when pursuing his goals but demanding when denied.

The jury consists of eight men and four women. The trial is expected to last up to six weeks.

Brand arrived at court accompanied by his wife, Laura Gallacher. He told reporters he felt "blessed" but "concerned but hopeful" about the proceedings.

The allegations include claims that Brand raped a woman in a hotel room during a Labour Party conference in 1999 and other incidents of groping and forced sexual acts in subsequent years. The complainants are entitled to lifelong anonymity under UK law.

Brand rose to fame in the 2000s as a stand-up comedian and host of shows including Big Brother's Big Mouth. He has denied all allegations throughout the case.