Brand's barrister reports himself over altercation with journalist after verdict

Russell Brand's barrister has reported himself to the Bar Standards Board after an altercation with a journalist following the verdict.

Brand 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 a Sunday Times journalist 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," he told her.

"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."

Mr Winter has now released a statement, which 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."

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.

(c) Sky News 2026: Brand's barrister reports himself over altercation with journalist after verdict