Brand's barrister criticised over treatment of rape victims in trial

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 10 Nov, 11:28 · Archive

Russell Brand's defence barrister faced condemnation for comments suggesting the rape conviction should be treated lightly.

Russell Brand was sentenced on Monday to over ten years in prison after being convicted of raping one of his fans at his London home in 2009 and sexually assaulting three female staffers at TV and radio stations during his career.

During the trial, Brand's barrister Ian Winter KC argued the rape victim was 'not particularly vulnerable' and had not 'resisted or screamed or even tried to leave'. He suggested to Southwark Crown Court that the rape should be regarded as a man who 'went too far', and asked the judge to sentence Brand on the 'lesser basis' that the assault was momentary and involved removing his condom without consent.

Two Cabinet ministers and Labour's deputy leader Lucy Powell have condemned Winter's remarks. Women and Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson called the comments 'shameful' and 'a callous trivialisation' of women's experiences of sexual violence. Powell said she was 'shocked and depressed' by how the victims were treated during cross-examination. Ministers suggested such characterisations discourage rape victims from coming forward to police.

How it is being reported

• Russell Brand's barrister slammed for 'shameful' remarks on rape as he sought lesser sentenceMinisters condemn lawyer’s comments on Brand’s rape and sexual assaultsEvening Standard · 10 Nov, 11:05
• Minister says way victims were treated in Russell Brand’s case was ‘incredibly depressing’Brand’s defence barrister argued he could not be a rapist as his accusers had not ‘resisted or screamed or even tried to leave’The Independent · 10 Nov, 10:02

In this story: Russell Brand · Ian Winter KC · Lucy Powell · Bridget Phillipson · Southwark Crown Court · Labour

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