Six women who have been “haunted” by their encounters with Russell Brand came forward to give evidence against him with nothing to gain and no appetite for fame, a court has heard.

The prosecutor, Riel Karmy-Jones KC, said the women, who do not know one another, had not been compelled to make police complaints by the “magic force” of media reporting on Brand’s alleged misconduct.

In her closing speech, she told jurors at Southwark crown court that the women had “vivid recollections” and had “bravely” come forward to the tell “the truth” after realising they were not alone.

Brand, 51, is accused of seven offences, including rape and sexual assault, against six women in allegations spanning 10 years from 1999.…