Police fear convicted rapist Russell Brand may have attacked at least 10 more women, with the Metropolitan Police set to begin sifting through new reports next week.
The 56-year-old comedian is awaiting sentencing after being found guilty of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others. Following the verdict, it emerged that Brand was being investigated over two further rape allegations.
Met Commissioner Comments on Further Allegations
Speaking to BBC Breakfast on Friday, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said he would not be surprised if many more women came forward. The Guardian reports that police fear the number of people Brand allegedly attacked could reach the 'double digits', with 10 seen as the minimum.
On LBC yesterday, Rowley declined to comment on the 'double digits' reports. 'I'm not going to guess on this, but we've seen in the past with high-profile individuals who are brought to justice that it does often bring out a flood of other cases,' Rowley told breakfast host Nick Ferrari. 'Let's see where this one goes.'
The Guardian understands that the Metropolitan Police will start reviewing reports about other potential victims starting next week.
Appeal to Potential Victims
Metropolitan Police Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy has urged anyone who may have been a victim of rape or serious sexual assault to speak to the Met. 'You will be listened to, supported, and treated with dignity and respect,' he said.
Brand is currently held in Wandsworth Prison ahead of sentencing on Monday. According to the Daily Mail, he is being kept in the Care and Separation Unit for his own safety, a segregated part of the prison where inmates are confined alone. The decision was made after officers deemed him 'too famous' to enter the 'vulnerable prisoner' wing where sex offenders are normally held.
Conditions Inside Prison
The Sun reported that Brand was petrified upon entering the prison. 'The first night for anyone in a jail is really daunting – and Brand was petrified,' a source explained. 'It will be a massive shock to the system for him, and he will be monitored around the clock. All his cockiness will disappear as he takes in his new surroundings.'
Upon entering Wandsworth, Brand was allegedly stripped of his clothes, given his prison uniform, and underwent a medical examination. He was also allowed his three-minute phone call, and it is widely speculated that he called his wife, Laura Gallacher. His first-night meal was reportedly an 'inedible' ready meal heated in a microwave in reception.
