The Metropolitan Police in London have begun investigating new allegations against British actor and comedian Russell Brand, following his 10-year and six-month prison sentence for rape and sexual assault. The investigating officer, Andy Furphy, told BBC Breakfast that during and after the trial, police had received new reports from people who had provided information or made allegations of possible criminal offences.
Furphy said investigators are currently evaluating the information gathered to determine whether it is linked to other suspicious behavior or if it constitutes a criminal offense that requires further investigation. He stressed that the police's work is not yet complete.
Meanwhile, Brand is also under investigation for rape allegations made by two other women. He has been questioned by police regarding these allegations, but the investigation is ongoing.
The actor was sentenced on Monday to 10 years and 6 months in prison after being found guilty of rape and sexual assault against four women, for incidents that occurred between 2004 and 2009. Specifically, he received 9 years in prison for the rape, while for the other three sexual assault charges he was sentenced to 18, 9 and 8 months in prison, respectively. These last sentences will be served concurrently.
In announcing the verdict, Judge Joel Bennathan called Brand a "sexual predator," also criticizing what he described as his extraordinary arrogance.
Speaking about the plight of the women who testified during the trial, Furphy said that some of them had experienced the increased media attention with great difficulty. He added that they had continued to be supported by the police, despite the pressure and public exposure.
According to him, the conviction would not have been possible without the courage and resilience of the victims throughout the justice process. "It is a deeply personal and very difficult thing to be a victim of rape or sexual assault and have to tell anyone, let alone the police," Furphy said.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman confirmed that several people had contacted the investigation team during and after the trial to provide information or report possible criminal allegations. He said detectives were assessing this information as part of their ongoing investigation.
