Conor Stroud

Twenty years ago, Dannii Minogue publicly called Russell Brand a “vile predator” who “wouldn’t take no for an answer”. Today, Brand was sentenced to 10 years and 6 months in prison for raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others. Many believe 10 years and 6 months is far too short. Speaking before the announcement Prime Minister Andy Burnham explained that support "still isn't there for victims in the way that it should be" Adding that he has taken the decision to ensure there are rape and serious sexual offence teams in every police force by the end of next year. And he praised the women who came forward saying "their bravery will, I believe, change the system more broadly" My view: The four women at the centre of this case waited between 17 and 22 years to see Brand convicted. That puts the Prime Minister’s words about bravery into perspective. Coming forward meant revisiting some of the most painful moments of their lives, with no guarantee that a jury would ever hear their accounts. Burnham has set a deadline, and the public can hold him to it. But the real test will come when someone walks into a police station to report a rape. Will they be able to speak to a specialist, know who to call about their case and get support throughout the investigation? That is what this promise should mean in practice.