Journalist Peter C. Barnes has criticised the BBC and Channel 4 for failing to investigate complaints made about Russell Brand, who was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison on Monday (9 November).
Complaints Ignored
Appearing on Jeremy Vine on Monday, Barnes said: "The BBC had eight complaints about Russell Brand and didn't do anything. Channel 4 in 2009 had a series of complaints that were never investigated properly and never escalated. Talk about a reckoning; yes, Russell Brand should get his, but there are a lot of other people who knew what was going on, and they are never held accountable."
He continued: "The lack of accountability for people in these positions, who have a duty and a responsibility to protect people in these institutions, has failed. And they are often elevated to a deputy head role. I'm a little tired of hearing these stories of people saying, 'Oh, well, everybody knew'. That should not be a phrase in any institution or any industry in this country, or anywhere. It is infuriating that, yet again, the 'lessons will be learned,' and yet again, nobody learns a lesson!"
Call for Transparency
Barnes also called for higher-ups to be more transparent, adding: "One of the big problems at the BBC is that it tends to mark its own homework. I don't think that can realistically happen any more. We have to start looking at the processes and the procedures that are actually there to protect people, and are they actually right, and are they being enforced."
His remarks came days after Brand, 51, was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault on Thursday (5 November). The comedian was acquitted of three other charges, including two allegations of rape and one charge of attempted indecent assault. According to the Metropolitan Police, he remains under investigation for further charges made by two more women.
Sentencing
Brand appeared in Southwark Crown Court, where Mr Justice Bennathan passed his sentence after commending the victims for their bravery in coming forward. Brand, who is married to Laura Gallacher, with whom he shares three children, was seen mouthing the words "I love you" to his wife after learning his sentence. He was then removed from the courtroom and taken down to the cells.
