Burnham Calls for Reform in Rape Trials to Prevent Victim Blaming
Andy Burnham demands a government review of rape trials to ensure victims aren't put on trial following the conviction of actor Russell Brand.
POLICY WIRE — London, UK — Mayor Andy Burnham has asserted that the government must ensure individuals involved in rape cases do not feel as though they are the defendants during trial.
This statement follows warnings from Sir Mark Rowley, the head of the Metropolitan Police, who suggested that the arguments used in the Russell Brand trial verged on victim blaming.
The actor and comedian was recently convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault following a month-long legal proceeding in the capital.
The prime minister told Times Radio that the government needs to continuously evaluate how these trials are managed to provide better support for alleged victims, though BBC News indicates no immediate legislative changes are planned.
During a Friday interview on BBC Radio 4, Sir Mark was questioned regarding Brand’s defense barrister, Ian Winter KC, who told jurors none of the women had screamed, resisted, or attempted to leave.
Sir Mark remarked that the reports of such arguments come dangerously close to blaming the victims, a practice the police service works hard to avoid.
The police chief expressed support for a proposal by the Victims’ Commissioner to establish a legal requirement for judges to instruct juries on common rape myths and misconceptions in every case.
Sir Mark explained that it should not be possible for inaccurate claims to convince a jury that a victim’s lack of specific behavior invalidates their legal case.
Speaking to Times Radio on Saturday, Burnham stated he would examine the Metropolitan Police chief’s concerns in detail.
Burnham emphasized that the goal is to prevent women from leaving the courtroom feeling like they were the ones on trial, noting he is open to implementing changes to increase reporting rates and conviction numbers.
The mayor noted that these efforts are part of a wider government strategy to combat violence against women and girls.
When asked if legal changes might follow, the prime minister refused to rule out the possibility, stating he would conduct a thorough study of the situation.
Brand, known for roles in films like Forgetting Sarah Marshall, is awaiting sentencing on Monday and faces a significant prison term after being found not guilty of two other rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault.
The 51-year-old actor remains in custody after being denied bail, while the Metropolitan Police continue an ongoing investigation into two additional rape allegations made by other women.
Sir Mark told BBC Breakfast that he would not be surprised if more individuals came forward with allegations following the recent verdict.
Victims’ Commissioner Claire Waxman stated that trials must challenge myths regarding sexual violence, noting that victims need confidence that the process is based on evidence rather than assumptions.
Harriet Wistrich, of the Centre for Women’s Justice, argued that juries must understand underlying behaviors without judging based on a victim’s actions, while former MP Anna Soubry expressed disappointment in Sir Mark’s comments, insisting that judges must provide firm directions to juries on these points.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
