Russell Brand suspected to have attacked at least 10 other women
Police are bracing for more victims of Russell Brand to come forward with at least 10 more women suspected of being attacked by the disgraced star, who will be sentenced on Monday to what is expected to be a lengthy jail sentence.
Brand, 51, will be sentenced on Monday after being convicted of raping a young fan at his luxury London townhouse in 2009 and sexually assaulting three women in separate incidents at a radio station, a recording studio and a bar. The attacks occurred between 1999 and 2009, with the court hearing how Brand "snapped" from charming to nasty before gaslighting his victims.
More Victims Expected
The Guardian understands that next week the Met team that built the case against Brand will start sifting through reports and intelligence about other potential victims. Sources say it is feared the number of further victims is at least in "double digits", with 10 currently seen as a minimum.
We've got two other victims who've come forward who want to tell their story, and so two rape cases we're investigating. I wouldn't be surprised if many, many more come forward, and we're open to that.
Rape Myths Under Scrutiny
The trial saw women asked by the defence barrister why they had not screamed during attacks, sparking debate about rape myths in the justice system. A No 10 source said Prime Minister Andy Burnham believed calls from the victims' commissioner for a legal duty requiring judges to issue directions to juries on rape myths should be examined.
The Ministry of Justice stated: "Rape myths have absolutely no place in our courts and victims should never feel as though they are the ones on trial." CPS lead Siobhan Blake emphasized: "The focus must be the actions of the perpetrator and not the behaviour of the victim."
Government Response
Burnham praised the bravery of the victims and journalists who supported them, saying: "It's horrifying what Russell Brand has done." He addressed his previous statement of support for Brand in 2014, noting: "Over a decade ago, and all I can say is I had no idea of the full extent of what he was doing or what he went on to do. His crimes are horrific."
The government says it is committed to reducing violence against women and girls by half. Brand faces years more imprisonment and the growing prospect of a fresh trial over further allegations. He was cleared of two further charges of rape and one allegation of attempted indecent assault during his recent trial.
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