Brand's barrister faces watchdog probe after confronting journalist
A barrister reported himself to regulators. He did this after confronting the journalist who exposed Brand.
Russell Brand was found guilty of rape. Brand was also found guilty of three counts of sexual assault.
The verdicts came at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday. Right after the verdict, Brand's barrister Ian Winter KC confronted journalist Rosamund Urwin.
Her investigation first exposed Brand's conduct. Winter told her: "I hope you are pleased with yourself."
Then he said: "Well, it wasn't. You fucked it."
Urwin responded that justice had been done. The confrontation happened outside the courtroom.
Journalists were watching. Winter then reported himself to his professional regulator, the Bar Standards Board.
He said he wanted the allegations to "be subject to proper scrutiny". The Sunday Times editor defended Urwin.
He called Winter's behaviour "quite extraordinary" and "reprehensible".
- Ian Winter KC
- The barrister
- Rosamund Urwin of the Sunday Times
- The journalist
- Bar Standards Board
- Regulator
Why it mattersThe confrontation raises questions about courtroom conduct. It also raises questions about whether a barrister's behaviour after trial affects how justice is perceived.
AustraliaAustralian legal professionals and media will watch the Bar Standards Board's investigation as a test of professional regulation when defence counsel publicly disparages journalists reporting on trials.
