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Met Police investigating more ‘potential criminal allegations’ about Brand
The Metropolitan Police are assessing new information from several people who contacted them during or after Russell Brand’s trial and sentencing, to determine whether it points to further criminal offences. The enquiries follow Brand’s conviction for rape and sexual assault, and come as police are already investigating rape allegations made by two other women.
Brand was sentenced on Monday to 10 years and six months in prison after being found guilty of offences against four women between 2004 and 2009. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy said the women who testified had faced distress from the media attention and that police continue to support them. MP Dame Caroline Dinenage also raised concerns that Brand could post videos to millions of followers during the investigation and trial, while the women did not have the same platform.
In short
- Police are assessing further information about Brand.
- Two other women’s rape allegations are already under investigation.
- Brand received a 10-year, six-month sentence.
Explained simply
Russell Brand is a comedian and actor who has also built a large online audience. The Metropolitan Police investigate suspected offences in London and assess reports to decide whether they warrant further enquiries.
The case concerns allegations of sexual offences made by several women. Brand was convicted of rape and sexual assault involving four women, for offences between 2004 and 2009; police are also investigating separate rape allegations from two women.
The case has drawn attention to how people who report sexual offences are treated during legal proceedings and how media coverage can affect them. It has also raised questions about the reach public figures have when speaking online while a case is under way.