Criminal Bar Association and campaigners hail Mr Justice Bennathan for delivering remarks with ‘piercing clarity’
The judge who sentenced Russell Brand has been praised for dispelling rape myths with “piercing clarity”.
Mr Justice Bennathan’s sentencing remarks were particularly welcomed given that rape myths had played a part in the trial. He was also lauded for calling out “enablers” who witnessed sexual assaults by the comedian.
Sentencing Brand to 10 and a half years on Monday for raping a woman and sexually assaulting three others, Bennathan said: “Whatever women wear, wherever they go, indeed whatever they drink, they retain the right to say no and to demand justice from the criminal courts when sexual predators like you, Russell Brand, act without their consent.”
Andrew Thomas KC, the chair of the Criminal Bar Association, and Kama Melly KC, its vice-chair, said: “We welcome the piercing clarity of the judge’s statement. Myths about rape and sexual assault must play no part in our culture or in our courtrooms. Raping or sexually assaulting someone is a crime, and blame lies entirely with the perpetrator.
“Victims of sexual violence should know that when they go to the prosecution authorities, their evidence will be judged fairly and properly.
