Russell Brand's barrister reports himself to watchdog over behaviour after verdict

Russell Brand's barrister has reported himself to his professional regulator after clashing with a journalist following the comedian's convictions.

Brand, 51, was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday.

He was cleared of two further counts of rape and one count of attempted indecent assault following a four-week trial.

As Brand was taken down to the cells, his barrister Ian Winter KC confronted Sunday Times journalist Rosamund Urwin who had worked on the 2023 Dispatches investigation containing allegations against the comedian, in the corridor outside Court 3.

"I hope you are pleased with yourself," Mr Winter told Ms Urwin.

"I'm pleased justice has been done," the journalist was heard replying.

"Well, it wasn't. You f***ed it," Mr Winter responded, before adding: "Congratulations."

The incident happened on Thursday afternoon outside the courtroom door, with a group of journalists watching on.

In a statement issued on Friday lunchtime, Mr Winter said he has now referred himself to the Bar Standards Board.

He said: "Having seen the ways matters have been characterised in today's press, I consider my professional duty requires me to self-report those allegations to the Bar Standards Board, so the matter can be subject to proper scrutiny. I have made such a report."

During the trial, Mr Winter had argued 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.

The trial judge, Mr Justice Bennathan, had dismissed an attempt by Brand to block his trial from taking place because of negative media coverage.

The judge ruled Brand could be tried by people who had not seen the previous media reporting.

Brand was convicted of raping a 21-year-old fan in 2009, as well as sexually assaulting three women in separate incidents between 2004 and 2009.

He is in custody and due to be sentenced on Monday.

Meanwhile, Andy Burnham has praised the courage of Brand's victims as police chiefs prepare for possible further allegations against the rapist comedian.

The prime minister said Brand's actions were "horrifying" and told Times Radio he would "like to praise the bravery of the women, the victims in the case, who've come forward and had the courage to speak out".

Two further allegations against Brand are already being investigated and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said he expected more victims to come forward.

(c) Sky News 2026: Russell Brand's barrister reports himself to watchdog over behaviour after verdict