Judge drops indecent assault charge against Russell Brand, replaces it with attempted charge

Mr Justice Bennathan dismissed the indecent assault charge against Russell Brand during his trial at Southwark Crown Court, citing "insufficient evidence", Variety reported. It is replaced by attempted indecent assault over the same alleged 2001 incident involving a female MTV employee. The judge selected a juror to return a formal not-guilty verdict on the dropped count. He denies all charges.