Laura Gallacher, the wife of Russell Brand, was seen crying in court today as she faced the prospect of her husband being sent to prison. Brand, 51, was convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault, and is being investigated regarding further allegations. Gallacher, 39, has remained loyal to him throughout the proceedings.
Support Through the Trial
Brand and Gallacher have been married since 2017, after they started dating when she was 19 and he was 31. Author Gallacher stayed by her husband's side for each of his court appearances, only leaving early when a 'guilty' verdict was heard last week.
Ahead of the outcome, Gallacher spoke about the possibility of her husband being imprisoned as she shared a supportive comment from a fan who reached out. The comment said: "I spent five years in prison and I know what it's like to be awaiting possible imprisonment and the huge pressure it places on loved ones too. You will get through it, iron sharpens iron. The presence of God is in prison in a way I've never felt anywhere else."
Emotional Scenes at Southwark Crown Court
In a clip, Brand nervously tapped his wife on the shoulder and said: "I don't like things where it's like you might have to go to prison. That's just the nature of a trial that carries a custodial sentence, it's one of the challenges." Gallacher responded: "That's not say... Exactly... It's one of the challenges."
Today, Gallacher attended Southwark Crown Court to watch her husband's sentencing and was seen shaking her head at the victim's impact statements. Brand mouthed her a message, to which she nodded and teared up. The words he mouthed seemed to include "whatever happens". She also gave him a thumbs up through the glass.
Protesters Outside Court
Two protesters were amongst the crowd as Gallacher arrived. The Mirror's senior reporter Patrick Hill wrote that two protesters - a man and a woman - were waving a large banner outside the court which included the words "Russell Brand, we stand with you. Christ was crucified for telling the truth. Russell is the truth." Gallacher, wearing sunglasses, a blazer and a polo neck jumper, appeared to turn and give a thumbs up towards a protester shouting in support of her husband.
Ongoing Police Investigation
The Met are currently investigating two further allegations against Brand. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: "The Met's investigation into allegations of rape made by two women remains ongoing. The suspect has been interviewed under caution in connection with the allegations. Files have been submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service."
Video footage of Brand being quizzed on video, twice in November 2023, in December 2023 and in January 2024, was released after verdicts were read on Thursday. The Met's Det Supt Andy Furphy said: "In his first interview he was quiet, withdrawn somewhat. By the end of the fourth he was more familiar with what was going on. We saw a bit of that at court as well. We saw two different Russell Brands. His public persona outside the court, engaging with the press, walking quite slowly with his partner and the people he was with. But in court we saw a different Russell Brand - very quiet, very still."
