Burnham to review rape trials after Russell Brand conviction

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 7 Nov, 16:19 · Archive

Prime minister Andy Burnham said he will examine how rape cases are conducted in court following Russell Brand's conviction for rape and sexual assault.

Russell Brand, a 51-year-old comedian and actor, was convicted on Thursday of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault following a four-week trial in London. Prime minister Andy Burnham responded by saying he would examine the case 'in great detail' and consider how rape trials are conducted.

Burnham told Times Radio that the government needs to 'constantly look at the way rape trials are conducted to make sure that they do not leave the woman feeling like she is on trial in court, as has been the experience of people in the past'. He refused to rule out changes to the law and said he would consider recommendations from Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley.

Sir Mark Rowley said some of what he heard reported from Brand's trial came 'very close to victim blaming'. During the trial, Brand's defence barrister told jurors that none of the complainants had 'resisted, screamed or even tried to leave'. Sir Mark said such inaccurate statements to juries about how victims should behave undermines their cases and called for judges to be required to direct juries on rape myths and misconceptions.

Burnham praised 'the bravery of the women, the victims in the case, who've come forward and had the courage to speak out'. Culture secretary Lisa Nandy described the case as a 'wake up call' to media and entertainment industries. Burnham added that the government needs to encourage more women to come forward to report rape and 'get the conviction rate up'.

The BBC understands there are currently no plans to change the law around rape trials, though Burnham said the government remained 'always prepared to make changes'.

How it is being reported

• Victims in rape cases must not feel like they are on trial, Burnham saysThe PM was responding after a police chief said comments made during Russell Brand's trial came close to "victim blaming".BBC News · 7 Nov, 11:04
• Andy Burnham to look at rape trial changes after ‘horrific’ Russell Brand caseThe Prime Minister said he would consider recommendations from Met Police commissioner Sir Mark Rowley to encourage more rape victims to come forward and get the 'conviction rate up'.Metro · 7 Nov, 10:09
• Andy Burnham to 'look closely' at reforming rape trials to encourage more women to come forwardAndy Burnham has said he will look at changing rape trials to encourage more women to come forward and "get the conviction rate up". The Prime Minister said lawmakers needed to look at how to "make sure they do not leave the woman feeling like she is on trial in court". It comes after disgraced comedian Russell Brand, 51, was convicted on Thursday of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others. Mr Burnham told Times Radio he would "look closely" at what Sir Mark Rowley said after the Metropolitan Police Commissioner backed calls to change legislation to tackle "rape myths".…GB News · 7 Nov, 01:46
• Burnham considers rape trial law change after Russell Brand backlashPrime minister described star’s actions as ‘horrifying’ and praised the bravery of the women who had the ‘courage to speak out’The Independent · 7 Nov, 00:01

In this story: Andy Burnham · Russell Brand · Sir Mark Rowley · Lisa Nandy · Metropolitan Police · London

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