# Burnham considers rape trial law change after Russell Brand backlash

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/burnham-considers-rape-trial-law-change-after-russell-brand-backlash/
- Published: 2026-11-07T00:01:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-07T01:37:09+00:00
- Original publisher: The Independent (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/burnham-russell-brand-rape-trial-guilty-b3080736.html
- Topics: Government, Politics

## Key points

- Burnham will study possible changes to rape trials.
- Rowley supports jury directions on rape myths.
- Brand was convicted of rape and three sexual assaults.

## Summary

Andy Burnham says he will examine how rape trials are conducted after Russell Brand was convicted, including whether legal changes could help prevent complainants feeling they are on trial. The discussion follows criticism that arguments based on how a victim reacted can reinforce myths, and calls to support more women to report rape.

Brand, 51, was found guilty of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others, while being acquitted of two rape charges and an attempted rape allegation. Metropolitan Police chief Mark Rowley backed a proposal requiring judges to direct juries on rape myths in every rape trial; he said two further cases involving Brand are under investigation and more complainants may come forward. Burnham also said conviction rates had improved but remained insufficient.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.