Andy Burnham has condemned Russell Brand's actions as "horrifying" and praised the bravery of the women who came forward, following the comedian's conviction for rape and sexual assault.
Brand faces a substantial prison term after a jury found him guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault, following a four-week trial at Southwark Crown Court in London. He was found not guilty of two other counts of rape and one count of attempted indecent assault.
Burnham praises victims' courage
Speaking to Times Radio, Burnham said: "It's horrifying what Russell Brand has done. I'd firstly like to praise the bravery of the women, the victims in the case, who've come forward and had the courage to speak out."
The Prime Minister also personally praised the journalists who worked on uncovering Brand's actions, saying they "supported those who had been abused by Russell Brand and worse." He concluded that "all of them deserve our praise for having that courage to stand forward."
Trial details and verdict
The jury deliberated for eight-and-a-half hours before delivering its verdicts. Brand, 51, was refused bail and will spend the weekend in custody before returning to the same court on Monday for sentencing.
It can now be reported that Brand is also facing further rape allegations made by two women and has already been questioned by officers in relation to the complaints. The Metropolitan Police said its investigation "remains ongoing."
Allegations spanning a decade
During the trial, Brand faced allegations from six women spanning the decade between 1999 and 2009, when he rose to fame as one of Britain's most high-profile entertainers. The women came to court to reveal how Brand used his immense fame to force them into sexual activity.
Brand, who told his wife Laura Brand "I love you" after entering the dock, displayed no emotion as the jury delivered its verdicts. Afterwards he mouthed "I'm good, I'm good" to his defence counsel as he left the dock, with a steadily paced walk and little emotion shown.
The judge, Mr Justice Bennathan, told Brand to expect "a significant custodial term" after the verdicts were delivered.
