Ian Winter KC, the barrister who represented Russell Brand, has faced public condemnation after Brand was convicted last Thursday of rape and three sexual assaults. Brand was subsequently sentenced on Monday to ten years and six months.
Winter has referred himself to the Bar Standards Board following an encounter with Sunday Times journalist Rosamund Urwin outside Southwark Crown Court. He reportedly blamed her reporting for denying Brand a fair trial.
Reports have also emerged regarding Winter's unsuccessful pre-trial abuse of process application, where he accused journalists from the Times newspapers and Channel 4 of criminal conduct. His questioning of complainants during the trial has been described as aggressive and demeaning.
Brand is reportedly unhappy with his legal representation and is considering a new legal team.