Katherine Ryan: 'Grief and relief' after Russell Brand guilty verdict

Comedian Katherine Ryan has spoken of feeling "grief and relief" after Russell Brand was convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. The stand-up and television star said on her podcast, Telling Everybody Everything, that the verdict had left her feeling "dysregulated again, caught off-guard, emotional".

Ryan, who previously alleged the existence of a "predator" in the entertainment industry without naming names due to potential legal issues, reflected on the courage of survivors. She noted that they came forward "despite Russell Brand having fame, power, money, and a legion of fans ready to attack them."

She added: "There has been some justice done today. There’s a level of relief, but there’s grief alongside relief. Everything’s nuanced, and it was proved in court that a terrible thing happened, and that means that a terrible thing happened."

Ryan expressed concern about the aftermath, stating: "Because he’s obviously spent a long time cultivating this idea that the establishment have invented these claims against him, and he’s martyred himself to a growing audience who really still think that it is the courageous survivors who are the villains in this story."

Criticism of barrister's conduct

The comedian also strongly criticised the actions of Brand's barrister, Ian Winter KC, who confronted Sunday Times journalist Rosamund Urwin outside the courtroom. Ms Urwin's investigation was instrumental in bringing victims forward. Mr Winter reportedly told her: "I hope you are pleased with yourself."

Ms Urwin responded: "I’m pleased justice has been done." Mr Winter is reported to have replied: "Well, it wasn’t. You f***** it." Ryan described the encounter as "so unprofessional, so inappropriate, so aggressive. Really sickening."

Trial judge dismisses bid to block proceedings

During the trial, Mr Winter had argued that media reporting of allegations against Brand, including by Ms Urwin, had "poisoned the well" and made a fair trial impossible. However, the trial judge, Mr Justice Bennathan, dismissed an attempt by Brand to block the proceedings on these grounds.

Russell Brand faces a significant custodial sentence following his conviction. He was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.