Police boss wouldn’t be surprised if more allegations are made about disgraced star Russell Brand

Police expect further allegations

Speaking to the BBC on Friday, Metropolitan Police chief Sir Mark Rowley said he would not be surprised if more people came forward about Brand. He said two rape investigations involving Brand remain ongoing, and Brand has been interviewed under caution in connection with those allegations.

The Metropolitan Police said its investigation remains ongoing. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who led the police investigation, said he hoped the guilty verdicts would give other women courage and confidence to come forward.

Rowley praises women who spoke

Rowley praised the bravery of women who shared their experiences with police and at trial. He said people who had gone through such an ordeal deserved admiration. He said the case might appear different because it involved a celebrity, but that much sexual offending involved people abusing power. Rowley said police would work to bring powerful people responsible for such offences to justice.

Debate over courtroom guidance

In the BBC interview, Rowley was asked about remarks attributed to Brand’s defence barrister, who reportedly told jurors that none of the complainants had said they resisted, screamed or tried to leave. Rowley said what he had heard reported from the trial came close to victim blaming.

He said he strongly supported the Victims’ Commissioner’s call for a legal duty requiring judges to address rape myths and misconceptions in every rape trial. Rowley said a complainant’s behaviour should not be used to suggest their case is undermined.