Victims in rape cases must not feel like they are on trial, Burnham says

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Burnham urges rape trial reform after Brand conviction to stop victims feeling on trial

   Prime Minister Andy Burnham said victims in rape cases must not feel like they are on trial, responding to the Russell Brand conviction and police criticism of courtroom tactics. Burnham will consider recommendations from Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley to encourage more victims to come forward and improve conviction rates. Brand was convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. Police suspect he may have attacked at least 10 other women. The PM did not rule out law changes after scrutiny of how women were treated during the trial raised concerns about victim blaming.

   Why it matters

   Russell Brand's conviction has intensified pressure on the justice system to address how complainants are cross-examined in rape trials. Met Police chief Sir Mark Rowley said comments made during the trial came close to victim blaming and warned Brand will likely face more allegations. Burnham's pledge to review trial procedures signals potential legislative or procedural reforms aimed at reducing re-traumatization and increasing reporting rates.

   What is confirmed

   • Andy Burnham said victims in rape cases must not feel like they are on trial.
   • Burnham will consider recommendations from Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley to encourage more victims to come forward and raise conviction rates.
   • Russell Brand was convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.
   • Police suspect Russell Brand may have attacked at least 10 other women.
   • Sir Mark Rowley said comments during Brand's trial came close to victim blaming.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Russell Brand is likely to face more allegations, according to UK police chief.
   • Katherine Ryan said she feels grief and relief after the conviction.
   • Bear Grylls called the victims heroes and said justice has been served.

   What to watch next

   • Government announcement on specific rape trial reforms or legislative changes
   • Met Police update on additional investigations into Russell Brand
   • Court of Appeal rulings on cross-examination guidelines in sexual offence cases
   Sources used for this update (13)

   1. BBC — Katherine Ryan says she feels 'grief and relief' after Russell Brand conviction
   2. The Guardian — Russell Brand suspected to have attacked at least 10 other women
   3. Reuters — Russell Brand, convicted of rape, now likely to face more allegations, says UK police chief
   4. Yahoo — Bear Grylls Speaks Out on Russell Brand Verdict After Helping Baptize Him: ‘Justice Has Now Been Served’ and the Victims Are ‘Heroes’
   5. BBC — Victims in rape cases must not feel like they are on trial, Burnham says
   6. The Times — No messiah: the reckoning of Russell Brand
   7. www.bbc.co.uk — Victims in rape cases must not feel like they are on trial ...
   8. observer.co.uk — Rape accusers must not feel on trial, Burnham says after ...
   9. metro.co.uk — Andy Burnham to look at rape trial changes after 'horrific ...
   10. www.lbc.co.uk — Burnham to look at rape trial reforms to back victims after ...
   11. www.irishnews.com — Burnham to look at rape trial changes to back victims after ...
   12. policywire.substack.com — Burnham Calls for Reform in Rape Trials to Prevent Victim Blaming
   confidence 88%