Weinstein accusers say 'disappointing' verdict falls short of 'true, full' justice

The group includes actresses Ashley Judd and Rosanna Arquette

A group of Harvey Weinstein accusers has criticised the jury after he was found guilty of only two of five charges.

The women, known as the Silence Breakers, released a statement welcoming the fact the disgraced mogul would be jailed but criticising the jury for failing to reach agreement on the more serious charges which carry a life sentence.

“While it is disappointing that today’s outcome does not deliver the true, full justice that so many women deserve, Harvey Weinstein will now forever be known as a convicted serial predator,’ their statement said.

The group includes Rosanna Arquette and Ashley Judd alongside 19 other accusers.

They praised the three women who testified against Weinstein in the trial which could see him jailed up to 29 years.

Weinstein was convicted of forcibly performing oral sex on Mimi Haleyi in 2006 and of third-degree rape on another woman in 2013.

“This conviction would not be possible without the testimony of the courageous women and the many women who have spoken out”, the statement continued.

“Despite intimidation from Weinstein’s legal team, they courageously shared their stories with the jury, the courtroom and the world. This has been a flawed process from the beginning but has further exposed the difficulties women face in coming forward to tell the truth about powerful abusers. Their bravery will forever be remembered in history. Our fight is far from over. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has brought charges against Weinstein and we hope he will be met with swift justice. As we have said from our very first statement together as Silence Breakers: we refuse to be silenced and will continue to speak out until this unrepentant abuser is brought to justice.”

A judge ordered Weinstein to go to jail immediately. Court officers surrounded Weinstein, handcuffed him and led him out of the courtroom. The judge said he will request that Weinstein be held in the infirmary after his lawyers said he needs medical attention following an unsuccessful back surgery.