Burnham praises victims who spoke out on Russell Brand’s ‘horrific’ crimes

Andy Burnham has described Russell Brand’s actions as “horrifying” and praised the bravery of the women who had the “courage to speak out” against the rapist comedian.

Brand faces a lengthy jail term after being convicted of raping one of his fans and sexually assaulting three women at the height of his fame.

Mr Burnham told Times Radio: “It’s horrifying what Russell Brand has done. And I’d firstly like to praise the bravery of the women, the victims in the case, who’ve come forward and had the courage to speak out.

“But yes, the journalists too, who supported those who had been abused by Russell Brand and worse. So all of them deserve our praise for having that courage to stand forward.”

Metropolitan Police chief Sir Mark Rowley has said he would not be surprised if “many more” alleged victims of Mr Brand now came forward.

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 said.

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.”

Mr Brand was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault following a high-profile trial at Southwark Crown Court.

The comedian, 51, who denied all charges against him, was acquitted of two rape charges and a further accusation of attempted indecent assault.

A jury of eight men and four women took around nine hours to deliver their verdicts for each of the seven allegations against him.

After the verdicts were delivered, Mr Justice Bennathan told Brand that he faced a “significant custodial term”.