The chief of the Metropolitan Police has said “many more” victims could come forward after Russell Brand was convicted of one count of rape and three sexual assaults following a dramatic four-week trial.
Sir Mark Rowley said high-profile cases did often lead to an “upsurge” in reporting because it gave victims confidence to speak up about attackers in their cases.
He told BBC Breakfast: “There’s two more cases we’re investigating at the moment. I clearly wouldn’t be surprised if many more came forward.”
Brand, now 51, preyed on women he encountered while becoming one of Britain’s best-known stand-up comedians, a lauded TV and radio host, and a Hollywood film star.
His victims told the trial how he had forced them into sexual activity, sometimes within seconds of their first meeting, using his immense fame to pursue a goal of sex with 5,000 women.
At Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, a jury found Brand guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. He was cleared of two counts of rape and one charge of attempted indecent assault.
Judge Mr Justice Bennathan told Brand the charges meant he faced “a custodial sentence of some length” when he is sentenced on Monday.
Read MoreI was warned about Russell Brand 20 years ago – this verdict surprises no one
What now for Laura Gallacher, Russell Brand’s wife, who stood by her rapist husband?
Russell Brand behind bars after being found guilty of raping fan and sexually assaulting three women
Inside the courtroom, Russell Brand was a shadow of his flamboyant self. He knew his game was up
‘I confronted Russell Brand about his behaviour years ago – he had no regrets’
Key Points
- Brand found guilty of one count of rape and three sexual assaults
- Brand told he faces 'a custodial sentence of some length' when sentenced on Monday
- Star showed no emotion and said loudly 'yes my lord' before being led to cells
- Brand could face further charges over two more rape allegations
- Which charges was Brand found guilty of?
- Will Russell Brand go to prison after rape conviction?
Watch: Russell Brand’s ex who was victim of the ‘Sachsgate’ scandal says comedian ‘needs to tell the truth’
10:40 , Nicole Wootton-CaneBrand told wife he was 'petrified of going to prison'
10:25 , Nicole Wootton-CaneRussell Brand told his wife Laura Gallacher that he was “petrified” of going to prison just days before his conviction, according to reports.
The Daily Mail reports that in an episode of their Sunday Service show recorded on 11 October, he said: “I don't like things where it's like you might have to go to prison.”
She replied: “Yeah, I know, but that is just the nature of what a trial is.”
It is understood Brand is being held at HMP Wandsworth until he is sentenced on Monday.
Russell Brand boasted BBC 2 boss was ‘incredibly tolerant’ of his sexual behaviour
10:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneRussell Brand boasted in his memoir that his boss at the BBC was “incredibly tolerant” of his sexual behaviour while he was a radio presenter.
The comedian, 51, has been found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault after a dramatic four-week trial and has been warned he faces a lengthy prison sentence when he is sentenced on Monday.
In his 2010 memoir, My Booky Wook 2, he claimed that the BBC’s former controller of Radio 2 and 6 Music, Lesley Douglas, gave him “lots of room” which meant he had access to female competition winners.
Russell Brand boasted BBC 2 boss was ‘incredibly tolerant’ of his sexual behaviour
Russell Brand investigated for raping schoolgirl as police warn there could be more victims
09:55 , Nicole Wootton-CaneRussell Brand is under investigation for two more alleged rapes, including a 16-year-old schoolgirl, and further victims could still come forward, police have warned following his conviction.
The actor and comedian, 51, was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault against four women following a four-week trial at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday.
The trial heard the star treated women as “disposable” and “amusements” to fill his voracious sexual appetite in a string of attacks between 2004 and 2009, by which time he had achieved “staggering fame”.
The Metropolitan Police believe more women may have been targeted by the serial sex offender and have confirmed he is currently under investigation over the alleged rapes of two more women.
You can read more below:
Brand investigated for raping schoolgirl as police urge victims to come forward
Bob Geldof insults Russell Brand at NME Awards in resurfaced video
09:40 , Nicole Wootton-CaneResurfaced footage shows Bob Geldof calling Russell Brand a “c***” while on stage at the NME Awards in 2006.
The comedian replied that it was “no surprise [Geldof]’s such an expert on famine. He has, after all, been dining out on ‘I Don’t Like Mondays’ for 30 years.”
The clip was featured in a Channel 4 Dispatches programme first released in 2023 which detailed accusations of rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse by four women against Brand between 2006 and 2013. Brand denied the allegations.
Watch: Bob Geldof insults Russell Brand at NME Awards in resurfaced video
Met chief says defence came 'close to victim blaming' during trial
09:01 , Nicole Wootton-CaneMetropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said some of what he heard reported from Russell Brand’s trial was “getting very close to victim blaming”.
It was put to Sir Mark on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that Brand’s defence lawyer Ian Winter KC told jurors that “none of the complainants had, in his words, resisted or screamed or even tried to leave”.
Asked if he would support Victims’ Commissioner Claire Waxman, who wants a legal duty in the Courts and Tribunals Bill that would require judges to issue directions to juries on rape myths and misconceptions in every rape trial, Sir Mark said: “I strongly support Claire. I think what I’ve heard reported heads towards, it’s getting very close to victim blaming, which is something we’ve thought very hard about in policing and make sure we don’t do.
“People fall into myths about (how) a rape victim must behave in a certain way, must react in a certain way. The evidence is really clear. Some people will fight. Some people will freeze. Some people will tell people straight away. Some people bottle it up for years. There isn’t one way of reacting.
“We understand that, it shouldn’t be possible for inaccurate statements to be made to a jury to suggest that because a rape victim didn’t behave in one way, that somehow that undermines their case, when the evidence is very clear, we’re all very different sort of psychological and personal make-up, and in the most extraordinary horrific moments, of course, people react very differently.”
Comment: I was warned about Russell Brand 20 years ago – this verdict surprises no one
08:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe comedian was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault – good riddance to a man who thought he was the cleverest in the room, until he wasn’t, writes Victoria Richards.
I was warned about Russell Brand 20 years ago – this verdict surprises no one
Recap: Russell Brand found guilty of rape and sexual assault
08:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneRussell Brand is facing a prison sentence after being found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault following a four-week trial at Southwark Crown Court.
Delivering their verdict on Thursday, the jury convicted Brand of raping a young fan after one of his shows in 2009 – but cleared him of two other counts of rape and one attempted indecent assault.
Brand was remanded into custody and will be sentenced on Monday. udge Mr Justice Bennathan told Brand the charges meant he faced “a custodial sentence of some length”.
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Met chief not surprised if 'many more' alleged Brand victims come forward
07:55 , Tom BarnesMetropolitan Police chief Sir Mark Rowley said he would not be surprised if “many more” alleged victims of Russell Brand now came forward.
He said high-profile cases did often lead to an “upsurge” in reporting because it gave victims confidence to speak up about attackers in their cases.
He told BBC Breakfast: “It does make a difference because people see it is possible, and you will be believed.”
On Brand, he added: “There’s two more cases we’re investigating at the moment. I clearly wouldn’t be surprised if many more came forward.”
Met Police chief urges any other victims to come forward
07:38 , Tom BarnesMetropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said the force is encouraging anybody else to come forward if there are any other allegations after Russell Brand was convicted of raping one of his fans and sexually assaulting three women.
Sir Mark told Times Radio: “Every case like this depends on brave victim survivors who are prepared to step forward and tell their story to police officers and tell their story to a court when you’ve had something so intrusive and awful happen that that really shows real bravery and determination, and you have to admire that.
“I’m proud of our officers and the support they’ve offered them and the case they’ve built. They’ve spoken to 100 witnesses. They’ve taken 400 statements. It’s a sizeable investigation.
“As you’ve heard, there’s two more rape allegations that we’re looking at. We’re encouraging anybody else to come forward if there’s any other allegations.
“The wider point I would make: this looks at one hand it’s a celebrity, but most sex offending is where someone of power exploits that with someone who is less powerful themselves.
“It might be an uncle, it might be a teacher, it might be a vicar. Could be a whole range of different situations. And what cases like this show is, it doesn’t matter how powerful the person is, we will support you, and we will try and bring down the person who did something ghastly to you.”
Brand spends first night in cells ahead of sentencing next week
07:29 , Tom BarnesRussell Brand spent his first night in a cell ahead of a potentially years-long imprisonment, after he was convicted of raping one of his fans and sexually assaulting three women during his showbiz heyday.
Brand, now 51, preyed on women he encountered while becoming one of Britain’s best-known stand-up comedians, a lauded TV and radio host, and a Hollywood movie star.
His victims came to court to reveal how Brand had forced them into sexual activity, sometimes within seconds of them first meeting, using his fame to determinedly pursue a goal of sex with 5,000 women.
On Thursday at Southwark Crown Court, a jury found him guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.
He was cleared of two further charges of rape and one allegation of attempted indecent assault.
The disgraced comedian-turned-conspiracy theorist will spend the weekend in custody before he returns to the same court on Monday to learn his prison sentence.
Watch: Brand is a calculated sexual predator, says CPS
07:00 , Jane Dalton‘I confronted Russell Brand about his behaviour years ago – he had no regrets’
06:00 , Jane Dalton
‘I confronted Russell Brand about his behaviour years ago – he had no regrets’
Social-media users condemn Brand barrister remarks to journalist
05:30 , Jane DaltonSocial media users overwhelmingly condemned remarks by Russell Brand’s barrister, who launched into a tirade at a journalist after the comedian was found guilty of rape and sexual assault.
Ian Winter KC confronted Sunday Times journalist Rosamund Urwin, whose investigation led to Brand’s victims coming forward, telling her: “I hope you are pleased with yourself.”
Ms Urwin responded: “I’m pleased justice has been done,” before Mr Winter replied: “Well, it wasn’t. You f***** it.” He added: “Congratulations.”
In an interview on Times Radio following the exchange, Ben Taylor, editor of The Sunday Times, said: “I found what Mr Winter did quite extraordinary. I have never seen or heard of a barrister behaving in this way.
“There’s a really serious point here, which is that it was not Ros who found Russell Brand guilty at Southwark Crown Court. It was a jury of eight men and four women who have sat through this case.
“They’ve listened to the evidence, they’ve listened to the defence, and they have gone away and they’ve come back with some very considered verdicts.
“By impugning Ros’ integrity, what Mr Winter is doing – and he should really be called to account for this – he’s impugning the integrity of the entire case.”
Brand tried to smear journalists as 'criminals'
04:30 , Jane DaltonIt can now be revealed that Brand tried to smear journalists as “criminals” and claimed women accusing him of abuse were “fictional” in a bid to avoid trial.
In legal argument that can now be reported for the first time, Brand tried to claim that TV and newspaper journalists had plotted to get him prosecuted and, by publishing the findings of their investigation, had perverted the course of justice.
The shamed comedian-turned-conspiracy theorist, 51, argued he had been “destroyed” by a “trial by media” when The Sunday Times and a Channel 4 Dispatches documentary exposed him as a sexual predator in 2023.
But prosecutors fought against the charges being thrown out, and the judge rejected the arguments of Brand’s lawyers, saying it was “unpersuasive” to claim that journalists had committed a crime.
He ruled: “There is a history, both modern and ancient, of the media running what they claim are exposes of misconduct.”
He highlighted media coverage of alleged unlawful donations to Reform UK this year, as well as allegations in Private Eye magazine in the 1960s about the Kray twins, and said: “Sometimes those claimed revelations lead to convictions, sometimes they do not. It has never been suggested that that type of publication is unlawful.”
The judge concluded the jury could be selected from members of the public who had not read The Times and Sunday Times reporting or seen the Dispatches programme.
Watch: Brand used fame to exploit women, say police
03:00 , Jane DaltonOpinion: We all fell for Brand’s personality cult – we were groomed for it
01:30 , Jane DaltonI was warned about Russell Brand 20 years ago – this verdict surprises no one
In pictures: Brand's downfall
Thursday 5 November 2026 23:59 , Jane DaltonFrom this...
to this...
Inside the courtroom, Brand was a shadow of himself. He knew the game was up
Thursday 5 November 2026 22:59 , Jane Dalton
Inside the courtroom, Russell Brand was a shadow of his flamboyant self
Entertainment industry culture lets powerful get away with crimes, says charity
Thursday 5 November 2026 22:00 , Jane DaltonThe rape and sexual assaults committed by Brand demonstrate how perpetrators in the public eye are often able to act with impunity, a women’s charity says.
Campaigners highlighted how entertainment and media industry cultures can contribute to high-profile figures’ offending.
Deniz Ugur, deputy director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition (EVAW), said the incredibly difficult challenge of reporting rape and sexual assault to police can be “heightened when the perpetrator has a significant amount of wealth and status and a network of power”.
She added: “What we see with powerful perpetrators is that there are often others around them which enable abuse or are complicit in it through cultures of silence.
“These institutional cultures are found across the entertainment industry, media and beyond, and prevent survivors from accessing justice.
“Perpetrators with power, wealth and status are often able to weaponise the law to silence survivors and even the media, through legal threats and NDAs (non-disclosure agreements).”
The BBC has twice apologised to victims for the culture that allowed Brand to commit his crimes and for how complaints were handled.
Brand said he was ready to go to jail
Thursday 5 November 2026 21:20 , Jane DaltonBrand said earlier this year that he was ready to go to prison.
He told Piers Morgan in April: “I am not afraid of the truth, and if the truth is I am going to prison, then I'm – I my job will be: do not be afraid of that truth. That is what you are going to do.”
Judge Mr Justice Bennathan told Brand the charges meant he faced “a custodial sentence of some length” when he is sentenced on Monday.
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Watch: Brand in police interviews
Thursday 5 November 2026 20:45 , Jane Dalton
Watch Russell Brand police interviews from rape investigation
From Katy Perry to drug addiction: What the jury didn't hear
Thursday 5 November 2026 20:20 , Jane Dalton
From Katy Perry to drug addiction: What the Russell Brand rape trial jury didn't hear
Opinion: I was warned about Brand 20 years ago – this verdict surprises no one
Thursday 5 November 2026 20:00 , Jane DaltonI was warned about Russell Brand 20 years ago – this verdict surprises no one
Victims’ commissioner calls for law change to prevent 'rape myths'
Thursday 5 November 2026 19:35 , Jane DaltonThe victims’ commissioner is seeking to update the law to ensure juries are warned against “rape myths”, after she criticised “outdated and harmful assumptions” that victims must have screamed or tried to fight off their attacker.
Brand’s lawyer, Ian Winter KC, told the court none of the complainants had “resisted or screamed or even tried to leave”.
But Claire Waxman, Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, insisted justice “must be grounded in evidence, not misconceptions”.
She said: “The idea that rape victims must scream, physically resist or immediately report an offence is a well-established rape myth, rooted in outdated and harmful assumptions about how victims are expected to behave.
“That’s why I am calling for a legal duty in the Courts and Tribunals Bill, requiring judges to direct juries on rape myths and misconceptions in every rape trial.
“Consistent judicial directions would help challenge stereotypes and improve understanding of trauma.”
What now for Russell Brand’s wife, who stood by her rapist husband?
Thursday 5 November 2026 19:15 , Jane Dalton
What now for Laura Gallacher, Russell Brand’s wife who stood by her rapist husband?
Sunday Times says verdict was journalism holding power to account
Thursday 5 November 2026 18:55 , Jane DaltonA spokesman for the The Times and The Sunday Times said: “Today’s verdict is a testament to the courage of the women who came forward and informed The Times’ and The Sunday Times’ investigative reporting.
“The joint investigation with Channel 4’s Dispatches was made in commitment to responsible, public-interest journalism holding power and institutions to account.
“Many women who bravely took part in this investigation did not have their cases brought before a court.
“Their contributions were vital in bringing these issues to light, and our commitment remains with everyone who found the courage to share their experiences.”
BBC apologises again for culture and how complaints handled
Thursday 5 November 2026 18:35 , Jane DaltonFollowing Brand’s conviction, a BBC spokesperson said: “The thoughts of everyone at the BBC are with the brave women who came forward and told their stories which led to a conviction in this case.
“There can be no place for the abuse of power. Across the industry, we must work together to ensure that anyone who suffers at someone else’s hand feels able to report it, that their concerns are taken seriously and that they are listened to.”
The BBC published a detailed report in January 2025 into how complaints about Brand’s conduct were handled, they said. “This looked at eight allegations of misconduct while he worked here between 2006 and 2008.
“It was of great concern to us that some people felt unable to raise concerns about Brand’s behaviour.
“We apologised to those impacted, for both the culture and failings at the time, and we reiterate that apology again today.”
Sunday Times editor condemns barrister's 'reprehensible' tirade on journalist
Thursday 5 November 2026 18:25 , Harriette BoucherThe editor of The Sunday Times has condemned Russell Brand’s barrister after he launched a tirade against the newspaper’s chief news correspondent following the verdict.
Ben Taylor described Ian Winter’s actions as “reprehensible” and unlike anything he has seen before
Mr Winter had confronted Rosamund Urwin, whose investigation led to Brand’s victims coming forward, telling her: “I hope you are pleased with yourself.”
Ms Urwin responded: “I’m pleased justice has been done,” before Mr Winter said: “Well, it wasn’t. You f***** it.”
Speaking on Times Radio, Mr Taylor said: “I found what Mr. Winter did quite extraordinary. I have never seen or heard of a barrister behaving in this way.
“There’s a really serious point here, which is that it was not Ros who found Russell Brand guilty at Southwark Crown Court. It was a jury of eight men and four women who have sat through this case.
“They’ve listened to the evidence, they’ve listened to the defence, and they have gone away and they’ve come back with some very considered verdicts. By impugning Ros’ integrity, what Mr Winter is doing – and he should really be called to account for this – he’s impugning the integrity of the entire case.
“He’s impugning the integrity of a jury, a system that we support massively at The Sunday Times, and we have actually campaigned to protect, who have sat there solemnly and done their duty, and the judge who oversaw the case and everybody else involved. I think what he did was reprehensible.”
Guilty verdict must be a 'wake up call' to the media industry
Thursday 5 November 2026 18:17 , Harriette BoucherRussell Brand’s guilty verdict should be a ‘wake up call’ to the media and entertainment industry, the chief executive of Women’s Aid has said.
Farah Nazeer said broadcasters and media, “with whom Brand worked for so long”, must remember they have a duty of care towards employees and others involved in their work.
“Too often we have seen men like Russell Brand manipulate their way out of consequences and evade prosecution by asserting their power and money dangerously,” she said.
“Celebrities are not above the law, and young men and boys must be shown a clear example of this.”
The verdicts at Southwark Crown Court are “a step in the right direction towards saying ‘enough’ to violence against women and girls”, but “the reality for many survivors across the country is not always so hopeful.”
Brand being investigated for raping schoolgirl
Thursday 5 November 2026 18:15 , Jane DaltonRussell Brand is under investigation for two more alleged rapes, including a 16-year-old schoolgirl, and further victims could still come forward, police say:
Brand investigated for raping schoolgirl as police urge victims to come forward
Many cases brought only thanks to media coverage, says lawyer
Thursday 5 November 2026 18:00 , Jane DaltonA US lawyer specialising in sexual harassment and assault said fame shielded powerful men, and many cases were prosecuted only after the media shone a light on them.
Megan Thomas said: “The saddest part of this story is how much trouble these women had coming forward, and how much they blamed themselves.
“We see this repeatedly when there’s a significant power imbalance. The women think, ‘All these people adore and look up to him. I must be the problem. I must be oversensitive.’
“These women were so brave to come forward, and they will undoubtedly encourage other women to do the same.”
Inside the dramatic trial: In court sketches and pictures
Thursday 5 November 2026 17:46 , Jane DaltonRussell Brand guilty: Inside the dramatic trial in court sketches and pictures
Report in full: Russell Brand behind bars after being found guilty of raping fan and sexually assaulting three women
Thursday 5 November 2026 17:30 , Jane DaltonBy crime correspondent Amy-Clare Martin, at Southwark Crown Court:
Russell Brand found guilty of raping fan and sexually assaulting three women
