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Andy Burnham has emphasized the importance of ensuring that victims in rape cases do not feel as though they are being put on trial themselves. His remarks followed comments made by Sir Mark Rowley, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, who expressed concern over aspects of Russell Brand’s trial that he believed closely approached victim blaming.
Sir Mark highlighted that during Brand’s defense, his barrister suggested to jurors that the complainants had not resisted or tried to leave, a line of argument the police chief said risked perpetuating harmful misconceptions about victim behavior. He expressed support for a proposal from the Victims’ Commissioner advocating for a legal obligation requiring judges to instruct juries on common myths and misunderstandings related to sexual violence. Sir Mark stated, “It shouldn’t be possible for inaccurate statements to be made to a jury to suggest that because a rape victim didn’t behave in one way that somehow undermines their case.”
The trial in question resulted in Brand being convicted on one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault, following a four-week hearing in London. However, he was acquitted on two other counts of rape and one count of attempted indecent assault after the jury deliberated for eight-and-a-half hours. Brand, who is known for roles such as in *Forgetting Sarah Marshall*, is due to be sentenced soon and will likely face a significant prison term. He is currently in custody, having been denied bail. Additionally, the Metropolitan Police confirmed ongoing investigations into further rape allegations made against Brand by two other women, with Sir Mark suggesting it is possible more complainants may come forward.
In response to the developments and police observations, Burnham told Times Radio that the government would carefully review the situation to better support victims in court and encourage more women to report sexual violence. While he acknowledged that no specific legal changes are currently planned, he did not rule out reforms in the future, stating, “I wouldn’t rule anything out… I will study what’s happened here in great detail.” Victims’ Commissioner Claire Waxman has called for rape trials to be carried out in ways that actively confront myths and false assumptions about sexual assault. Meanwhile, Harriet Wistrich, founder of the Centre for Women’s Justice, said juries must be educated on the complexities of victim behavior without making snap judgments. On the other hand, former Conservative MP and practicing barrister Anna Soubry criticized Sir Mark’s comments, insisting that judges already provide thorough guidance to juries on these matters and urging trust in the legal process and jurors’ understanding
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