Brand’s barrister refers himself to regulator after exchange with journalist

Entertainment · First reported 6 Nov, 14:31 · Updated 15:34

Image: Wikimedia Commons · NASA Johnson Space Center / Jonny Kim · Public domain

Ian Winter KC referred himself to the Bar Standards Board after an exchange with Sunday Times journalist Rosamund Urwin following Russell Brand’s conviction. The reports also describe criticism of aspects of Winter’s courtroom approach and proposals to address rape myths in jury directions.

Winter said he had referred himself to the Bar Standards Board after confronting Urwin outside Southwark Crown Court following the verdict.
A jury found Brand guilty of rape and three counts of sexual assault after a four-week trial; he was cleared of two further rape charges and one attempted indecent assault charge.
The reports describe criticism of defence questions and arguments about whether complainants resisted, screamed, or reported the alleged attacks promptly.
Victims’ Commissioner Claire Waxman is seeking changes so juries are warned about rape myths; the reports say Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley supports the proposal.
The Ministry of Justice said judges can already give directions on rape myths and that the government would consider Waxman’s proposals.

Summary written by Lux AI from 3 articles

Key facts

Brand verdict: Guilty of rape and three counts of sexual assault; cleared of two further rape charges and one attempted indecent assault charge.
Trial: Four weeks at Southwark Crown Court.
Barrister: Ian Winter KC referred himself to the Bar Standards Board.
Proposed change: Claire Waxman is seeking jury directions on rape myths in rape trials.
Next step reported: The Guardian says Brand was in custody and due to be sentenced on Monday.