Russell Brand judge lauded for dispelling rape myths during sentencing comments
British comedian, actor and podcaster Russell Brand arrives at the Southwark Crown Court in London during his trial on charges of rape, sexual assault and indecent assault. (Photo from Shutterstock)
The judge who sentenced British comedian and actor Russell Brand is being given high marks for his sentencing comments, particularly for clarifying rape myths that were presented during the trial.
High Court of England and Wales Judge Joel Bennathan sentenced Brand to 10-and-a-half years in prison Monday. In his comments, Bennathan addressed myths surrounding rape and the “enablers” who witnessed Brand’s sexual assaults on women.
“The judge’s comments are welcome given the significant role that rape myths played in this trial, which in turn have influenced public discussions about the case,” said Deniz Uğur, the deputy director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition, according to coverage by the Guardian.
Executives from the Criminal Bar Association of England and Wales noted the “piercing clarity of the judge’s statement.” The judge’s comments were also called “hugely important” because of how high profile the trial was, according to Ciara Bergman, the CEO of Rape Crisis England & Wales.
Bergman pointed out that Bennathan’s remarks starkly countered misconceptions presented by the defense attorney, Ian Winter, including that the women should have fought back, screamed or immediately reported the attack.
“Of course, this is not the case; there are a range of ways in which people respond to the threat of an imminent sexual assault, and all of them are valid,” Bergman said.
See also:
Russell Brand found guilty of rape, sexual assault as judge promises ‘sentence of some length’
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