Brand's barrister refers himself to regulator after report he confronted journalist
Barrister Ian Winter KC has self-reported to the Bar Standards Board following allegations that he confronted a journalist who investigated his client, Russell Brand. The journalist claims Winter acted aggressively outside court following the conclusion of a legal hearing.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the intersection of legal professional conduct and media scrutiny in high-profile criminal cases.
Image source, Elizabeth Cook/Press Association Image caption, Ian Winter, left in this court sketch, reportedly verbally clashed with a reporter who had previously investigated his client
Russell Brand's defence barrister has referred himself to the regulator after reports that he confronted a Sunday Times journalist who was involved in a media investigation into Brand in 2023.
In a Times and Sunday Times podcast on Thursday, Rosamund Urwin said she introduced herself to Ian Winter KC outside court after verdicts were delivered.
She claimed he responded with a "snarl" and said "I hope you're pleased with yourself".
"Apparently I said, but I can't actually remember this but I've read it in reporting, 'I am pleased that justice has been done'", Urwin added.
In a statement, Winter said the "ways matters have been characterised" in the media meant they should be "subject to proper scrutiny".
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