Met police identify 10 new suspects in Russell Brand attack probe

Metropolitan Police sources indicate that at least ten women are suspected to have been attacked by Russell Brand. This figure serves as a minimum estimate for the number of additional victims in the ongoing investigation.

Brand, 51, was convicted on Thursday of raping a young fan in 2009. He was also found guilty of sexually assaulting three women in separate incidents at a radio station, a recording studio, and a bar. The jury cleared him of two other rape charges and one attempt at indecent assault.

The trial examined claims of abuse spanning from 1999 to 2009. During proceedings, the defense questioned why victims did not scream. This sparked a national debate on rape myths in courtrooms. Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that the government would examine proposals for a legal duty requiring judges to give specific directions to juries on this issue.

Ministerial officials noted that judges already possess the authority to counter such myths. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice added that the department would carefully consider the victims commissioner’s proposals. Siobhan Blake, the lead for rape cases at the Crown Prosecution Service, emphasized that the focus must remain on the perpetrator’s actions rather than the victim’s behavior.

Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley confirmed that detectives are investigating two further rape allegations against Brand. The police sent files to specialist prosecutors on Thursday. Rowley said on LBC Radio that he would not guess the total number of cases but noted that high-profile convictions often lead to a flood of new reports.

Intelligence regarding further victims is described as third-hand in some cases. Some potential victims are reportedly reluctant to enter the criminal justice system. The Met team that built the original case against Brand will begin sifting through reports and intelligence on these potential victims next week.

Brand is scheduled to be sentenced on Monday. Prosecutors expect a lengthy jail term. Victims will present statements on how the crimes affected them during the sentencing hearing. The conviction follows years of allegations that Brand used his fame to target women.

Public figures have reacted to the verdict. Comedian Katherine Ryan expressed relief that justice had been served. Bear Grylls, who baptized Brand in 2024, said it was right that justice was served. Prime Minister Burnham praised the bravery of the women who came forward and the journalists who supported them.