RUSSELL BRAND’S BARRISTER CONFRONTS JOURNALIST AFTER GUILTY VERDICTS

Russell Brand’s barrister Ian Winter KC confronted journalist Rosamund Urwin outside Southwark Crown Court on Thursday after the court found Brand guilty of rape and sexual assault. Winter told Urwin: “I hope you are pleased with yourself.” Urwin replied: “I’m pleased justice has been done.” Winter disputed her response and ended the exchange with: “Congratulations.”

The court convicted Brand of one count of rape involving a fan and three counts of sexual assault involving three other women. Urwin’s investigation formed part of newspaper and television coverage that brought allegations against Brand to public attention in 2023. Women subsequently approached police with allegations including rape, sexual assault, coercive behaviour and emotional abuse. During the trial, Winter argued that coverage by Urwin and other journalists had “poisoned the well”, preventing Brand from receiving a fair trial.

Mr Justice Bennathan rejected Brand’s application to stop the trial because of negative media coverage. Legal arguments that can now be reported included Brand’s claim that journalists had deliberately plotted to secure his prosecution by publishing their investigation. Brand described journalists as “criminals” and women accusing him of abuse as “fictional” during his attempt to prevent proceedings. The court will sentence Brand on Monday, and he has received a warning to expect a lengthy prison sentence.