LONDON, U.K.: British comedian Russell Brand, who is already facing sexual offenses charges involving four women, faced new charges of rape and sexual assault on December 23 by the U.K.'s Crown Prosecution Service.

The CPS said the new charges for alleged offenses that took place in 2009 were for one count of rape and one count of sexual assault in relation to two more women.

Brand, 50, had already been charged in April with two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and one count of indecent assault. The charges were brought following an 18-month investigation after four women alleged that the controversial comedian had assaulted them.

Prosecutors said the alleged offenses happened between 1999 and 2005. One took place in the seaside town of Bournemouth, and the other three occurred in London. Brand pleaded not guilty to these charges in a London court earlier this year.

He is expected to appear in court on January 20 over two new charges. A trial is also planned for June next year and is expected to last four to five weeks.

The actor from Get Him To The Greek, who is known for his edgy comedy and past struggles with drugs and alcohol, has largely stepped away from mainstream media in recent years. He has instead built a large online audience by posting videos about wellness, religion, and conspiracy theories.

When the first charges were announced in April, Brand said he welcomed the chance to prove his innocence.

"I was a fool before I lived in the light of the Lord," he said in a social media video. "I was a drug addict, a sex addict, and an imbecile. But I never was a rapist. I've never engaged in nonconsensual activity. I pray that you can see that by looking in my eyes."