Russell Brand's barrister, Ian Winter KC, confronted a journalist in a corridor outside Court 3 of Southwark Crown Court after the former TV star was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. Brand has been remanded into custody and faces a "significant" custodial sentence.
Following the verdict, Winter launched a tirade against Rosamund Urwin, Chief News Correspondent for the Sunday Times. He said: "I hope you're pleased with yourself." She replied: "I'm pleased justice has been done." Winter responded: "Well, it wasn't... You f****d it." He added "Congratulations" before storming away, apparently blaming the media for his client's situation.
Details of the Convictions
Brand was found guilty of sexually assaulting an MTV worker in a Soho bar in 2004, of sexually assaulting a Capital Radio worker after encountering her in a corridor in 2005, and of sexually assaulting a Channel 4 worker during a forced massage in 2009. He was also found guilty of raping a young fan he met after one of his Hammersmith Apollo shows in 2009.
However, he was found not guilty of orally raping the MTV worker, and found not guilty of trying to drag another MTV worker into a toilet to indecently assault her in 2001. He was also found not guilty of raping a woman he met at a cabaret show on the fringes of the 1999 Labour Party conference in Bournemouth.
Court Proceedings and Further Allegations
Brand stood in the dock with his eyes closed as the verdict was handed down, after which Mr Justice Bennathan said: "Sit down Mr Brand." He added: "My current view is that I therefore have to remand you into custody," as Brand's wife Laura Gallacher was seen covering her mouth in shock. He noted the case was "very well prepared," and said the sentencing hearing will take place on Monday November 9.
Following the verdict, it emerged that the former comedian is also being investigated over further rape allegations made by two women, and it can now be reported that he has already been questioned by officers regarding the complaints. The Metropolitan Police released a statement saying: "The suspect has previously been interviewed under caution in connection with the allegations." It confirmed that files had been submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in relation to both complainants. "Detectives remain in close contact with prosecutors as enquiries continue and further investigative work is carried out," the force added, while encouraging anyone wishing to speak to detectives or make a report to contact them.
On the website for Cloth Fair Chambers, Winter's work for Brand is mentioned without naming him. Amidst a list of current cases, it simply says: "He is acting for a well-known comedian charged with historical sexual offences and rape." The site says: "[He] is firmly established as one of the leading silks at the Bar. A focused, highly sought-after criminal specialist with a particular emphasis on fraud and financial crime."
