Burnham to examine rape trial procedures after Rowley comments

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he would examine how rape trials are conducted after Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley called for judges to give juries directions on rape myths. Burnham said he would study Rowley’s comments and would not rule out changes to the law, while the government has no current plans to change rape-trial legislation, according to the BBC report.

The discussion followed Russell Brand’s conviction at Southwark Crown Court for one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. The jury acquitted him of two further rape counts and one count of attempted indecent assault. Brand was remanded in custody after being refused bail, with sentencing scheduled for Monday, November 9.

In a Times Radio interview on Saturday, Burnham said the government needed to keep reviewing court procedures so women did not feel they were on trial. He said changes should support victims and encourage more women to report rape, adding that he would study the case in detail. He also praised the women who came forward, according to one account of the interview.

Rowley said he supported Victims Commissioner Claire Waxman’s proposal for a legal duty requiring judges to...