Lucy Powell Condemns Russell Brand Trial Tactics After 10.5-Year Rape Sentence
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Nov 10
Lucy Powell Condemns Russell Brand Trial Tactics After 10.5-Year Rape Sentence
2 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Nov 10
Summary
Lucy Powell said the cross-examination of Russell Brand’s victims was “shocking” and “depressing,” saying she thought courts had moved beyond that culture.
Ian Winter KC had argued Brand must be innocent because none of the women “resisted or screamed or even tried to leave,” and described one anal rape as a “short and momentary failure” to respect consent.
Mr Justice Bennathan, sentencing Brand to 10 and a half years on Monday for raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others, said the victims suffered additional harm from conduct in court carried out “on your instructions.”
Powell said government guidance has tried to challenge rape myths and victim-blaming, but the case showed more still needs to be done.
She also said she and Ed Miliband regretted a 2015 interview with Brand, adding that many institutions had given him a powerful platform before what is now known.
Will the Bar Standards Board investigation into defense barrister Ian Winter KC set a new precedent for courtroom conduct in sexual assault cases?
How will the introduction of specialist rape courtrooms and mandatory jury warnings fundamentally change how high-profile sexual assault trials are conducted?