Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has said he would not be surprised if additional women came forward with allegations against Russell Brand following the comedian’s conviction for rape and sexual assault.
Speaking to the BBC on Friday, Rowley confirmed that detectives were continuing to investigate two further rape allegations involving the entertainer.
Brand has already been interviewed under caution in connection with the two complaints, while the Metropolitan Police has confirmed that its investigations remain ongoing.
The latest developments follow Thursday’s verdict at Southwark Crown Court, where Brand was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.
Brand Faces Sentencing After Four Guilty Verdicts
The 51-year-old was convicted following a trial involving allegations from six women relating to incidents between 1999 and 2009, when he was establishing himself as one of Britain’s most prominent entertainers.
The jury acquitted him of two other rape charges and one allegation of attempted indecent assault.
Brand was refused bail after the verdicts and will remain in custody over the weekend before returning to Southwark Crown Court on Monday for sentencing.
Judge Mr Justice Bennathan warned him to expect a significant custodial sentence.
Met Commissioner Criticises Arguments Made During Trial
Rowley also expressed concern about aspects of the defence arguments reported during the trial, saying some of what he heard came close to victim blaming.
He was asked about comments made by Brand’s defence barrister, who reportedly told jurors that none of the complainants had, in his words, said they had resisted, screamed or attempted to leave.
The police commissioner said it should not be possible for inaccurate statements to be presented to juries in a way that suggests a rape complainant’s behaviour undermines their case.
He also said that sexual offending frequently involves individuals abusing positions of power, despite the public attention surrounding Brand’s celebrity status.
Rowley Backs Calls for Judges to Address Rape Myths
The commissioner said he would strongly support a proposal from the Victims’ Commissioner requiring judges to give juries guidance on rape myths and misconceptions in every rape trial.
The proposal would introduce a legal duty through the Courts and Tribunals Bill.
Rowley said jurors should not be led to believe that a complainant’s failure to react in a particular way means an allegation is less credible.
He added that police would do everything possible to bring powerful individuals responsible for serious sexual offences to justice.
Commissioner Praises Women Who Gave Evidence
During the BBC interview, Rowley praised the women who reported Brand to police and gave evidence during the court proceedings.
He described their decision to come forward and recount their experiences as an act of bravery, recognising the difficulty of discussing traumatic incidents publicly.
He said victims of sexual offences should be believed and that the police would continue working to hold offenders accountable.
Detective Urges Other Women to Report Allegations
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who led the Metropolitan Police investigation into Brand, has also encouraged other women who may have experienced sexual abuse to come forward.
Following the guilty verdicts, Furphy said he hoped the outcome would give other potential complainants the courage and confidence to report their experiences.
The investigation has already resulted in two further rape allegations being examined by detectives, with Brand having been interviewed under caution.
Brand Showed Little Emotion as Verdicts Were Delivered
Brand displayed little visible emotion when the jury announced its decisions at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday.
After entering the dock, he told his wife, Laura Brand, that he loved her. Following the verdicts, he mouthed the words “I’m good, I’m good” to his defence counsel as he left the courtroom.
The entertainer’s conviction followed allegations made by six women concerning incidents spanning a decade during his rise to fame.
He will remain in custody until his sentencing hearing on Monday, when the court is expected to determine the length of his prison term.
