The trial of US actor Kevin Spacey is under way in London
He is facing 12 counts of sexual assault against four men - which he denies
In their opening statement, the prosecution claim Spacey is a "sexual bully"
He is a "man who does not respect personal boundaries or space, a man who it would seem delights in making others feel powerless and uncomfortable", says Christine Agnew KC
The alleged victims are now in their 30s and 40s, with the incidents said to have happened between 2001 and 2013
One complainant was assaulted after writing to Spacey to seek mentoring, the prosecution claims
The trial is expected to last between three and four weeks - you can't watch it, but there will be text updates here
Warning - this page will include sexual references and may be distressing to readers
Helena Wilkinson
Reporting from Southwark Crown Court
The jury has been told they are about to hear the prosecution open their case against Kevin Spacey.
Justice Wall says that normally it is not usual for the defence to make a statement at this time, but Patrick Gibbs KC is going to say a “few words so you understand what the issues are in the case”.
Michael Sheils McNamee
Reporting from Southwark Crown Court
Kevin Spacey has entered the dock, carrying a large ring binder.
The judge Justice Mark Wall has entered the court, and we are now waiting for the jury.
Helena Wilkinson
Reporting from Southwark Crown Court
Let’s just tell you who is who in terms of legal teams in the courtroom.
The judge who will oversee the trial is called Mr Justice Mark Wall.
Facing the judge, in the well of the court, are the barristers.
Christine Agnew KC is the prosecutor in the case, with Shauna Ritchie, a prosecuting barrister, working alongside her.
It is Agnew’s job as the prosecutor to present the case against Kevin Spacey on behalf of the Crown Prosecution Service.
To her left is Patrick Gibbs KC who is Kevin Spacey’s defence barrister, and will be speaking in court on behalf of his client.
Lucy Manning
Reporting from Southwark Crown Court
Kevin Spacey has just entered courtroom one. He will have to be here for the next month. That is how long it is likely to take to hear the allegations, the witnesses and his defence.
A far cry from the theatres and cinemas he used to appear in.
At stake - his reputation, his legacy and his freedom.
His only role now: to convince the 12 jurors he is telling the truth when he says he didn’t sexually or indecently assault his four accusers.
Helena Wilkinson
Reporting from Southwark Crown Court
Once everyone is gathered in court one, the judge will come in.
Soon after, the prosecutor, Christine Agnew KC, will make an opening speech to the jury.
This is when the prosecution’s case against Kevin Spacey is explained to them.
Jurors will hear about each offence and a summary of evidence that the prosecution will rely on.
It is for the prosecution to prove its case against Spacey. It is not for Spacey to prove his innocence.
Image source, PA MediaIt was a brief day for Spacey in court on Wednesday.
He arrived at Southwark Crown Court just after 08:00 BST. Spacey left court shortly after midday, once the jury were selected and sworn in.
They were also given details of each allegation which Spacey - appearing in court under his full name of Kevin Spacey Fowler - is accused of.
Court did not sit yesterday, and we’re expecting proceedings to start around 10:30 this morning.
Spacey arrived at the court in London just before 8am.
Kevin Spacey arriving at court for the first day of his sexual assault trial
The actor faces twelve counts of alleged sexual offences, dating from 2001 to 2013.
They are:
Spacey denies the charges.
Image source, ReutersBorn Kevin Spacey Fowler, the American actor began his career in theatre before moving into film and television - winning the Oscar for best actor for his role in the 1999 film, American Beauty.
His other notable films include The Usual Suspects - for which he also won an Oscar - and Seven.
Spacey, 63, was appointed as artistic director of London’s The Old Vic theatre in 2004, a position he held until 2015.
He also appeared in the long-running Netflix political series, House of Cards, playing a congressman who becomes president.
Spacey came out as gay in 2017, saying: “I choose now to live as a gay man."
In January, he was given a lifetime achievement award in Italy in recognition of his “contribution to the development of the art of drama”.
Image source, EPAGood morning and welcome to the start of our coverage of Kevin Spacey’s trial in London.
The Oscar-winning actor is facing 12 counts of sexual offences against four men, now in their 30s and 40s - allegations he denies.
Spacey did appear in court briefly on Wednesday when the jury was selected and sworn in but left shortly after. The court did not sit yesterday.
He will be appearing in court under his birth name, Kevin Spacey Fowler.
We’ve got Lucy Manning, Helena Wilkinson and Michael Sheils McNamee in Southwark Crown Court today to keep you updated. Stay with us.