Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he will review how rape trials are conducted in England and Wales, after the conviction of comedian Russell Brand prompted calls for juries to be warned about so-called rape myths.

Speaking to Times Radio on Friday, Mr Burnham said he would "look closely" at proposals from Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, who backs a change in the law. Mr Burnham said trials must not leave a woman "feeling like she is on trial in court".

Police chief warns of 'victim blaming'

Sir Mark told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that some of what was heard during Brand's trial was "getting very close to victim blaming". He backs Victims' Commissioner Claire Waxman, who wants judges legally required to direct juries on rape myths in every rape trial.

Ms Waxman said the idea that victims must scream, physically resist or immediately report an offence is "a well-established rape myth, rooted in outdated and harmful assumptions".

Brand to be sentenced on Monday

Brand, 51, was convicted at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault, and acquitted of two further rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault. Remanded in custody, he will be sentenced on Monday 9 November.

During the trial, his barrister Ian Winter KC told the court none of the complainants had "resisted or screamed or even tried to leave". Judge Joel Bennathan directed the jury not to assume delays in reporting meant the allegations were untrue.

Mr Burnham said he would not rule out changes to the law and would "study what's happened here in great detail", to encourage more women to come forward and "get the conviction rate up". "It has improved, but not enough," he added.