Russell Brand lawyer’s rant at feminine reporter after trial – ‘you f***** it, congrats’
Ian Winter KC ranted at Sunday Times journalist Rosamund Urwin for her coverage of allegations made against Brand and had argued in court the whole case was a conspiracy ‘cooked up’ by the media
Crowds gather after the verdict is delivered(Image: ANDY RAIN/EPA/Shutterstock)
Russell Brand’s barrister launched into a vicious tirade at a female journalist as he left the courtroom after his client was convicted of rape. Ian Winter KC ranted at Sunday Times journalist Rosamund Urwin: “I hope you are pleased with yourself.”
When she was heard replying: “I’m pleased justice has been done”, Mr Winter responded: “Well, it wasn’t. You f***ed it.” He then added: “Congratulations.”
During the trial, Mr Winter had argued in Brand’s defence that reporting of allegations against Brand by Ms Urwin and others had “poisoned the well”, and rendered it impossible for him to have a fair trial.
Brand arriving at court supported by wife Laura (Image: Getty Images)
Brand denied all the charges against him, and suggested the whole case was a conspiracy cooked up by the media. The trial judge, Mr Justice Bennathan, had also dismissed an attempt by Brand to block his trial from taking place because of negative media coverage.
The courtroom outburst comes after Brand, 51, was found guilty of raping one of his fans and sexually assaulting three women during his showbiz heyday. The comedian is facing years behind bars when he is sentenced next week.
Southwark Crown Court heard he 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.
Lawyer Ian Winter QC (Image: South China Morning Post via Getty Images)
Jurors were told how Brand, who once boasted he would not relent in his pursuit of sex before getting his “birthright orgasm”, ignored pleas from women for him to stop.
Six women gave evidence against Brand, while the former comedian – who was once married to Katy Perry – could not persuade any of his celebrity friends or former showbiz colleagues to give evidence in his defence.
On Thursday, a jury found Brand 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.
Brand was found guilty of raping one of his fans and sexually assaulting three women during his showbiz heyday(Image: PA)
Mr Winter made a plea for Brand to be given bail over the weekend as an “act of humanity” so that he could say goodbye to his children, but the judge refused over fears that he would flee instead of returning to court.
Senior crown prosecutor David Roberts said outside court: “The lifelong impact of these vile crimes cannot be underestimated. I’m pleased today that justice has been served for his victims.
“The evidence showed Brand to be a calculated sexual predator using his growing fame and power to create situations in which he could pursue women sexually, regardless of what they wanted.
“I’d like to thank all the women for coming forward and reporting Brand to the police. It is thanks to their courage that he will finally face the consequences of his actions.”
