Russell Brand's wife, Laura Gallacher, arrived at Southwark Crown Court this morning in a minivan ahead of her husband's sentencing. She was flanked by another woman as she entered the court, with the companion holding tightly to Mrs Gallacher's shoulders as they walked briskly past the press cameras into the courthouse at about 9.20am.
Mrs 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. The protester held up a large banner outside the central London court that said: "Russell Brand we stand with you. Christ was crucified for telling the truth. Russell is the truth."
Court Hearing Details
Laura appeared on the verge of tears as her husband's barrister Ian Winter KC told the court how she is standing by him. The lawyer said he had spoken to her this morning and added that words cannot describe "the total devastation she is experiencing".
Ms Gallacher and Brand exchanged several glances throughout the hearing, and she appeared to mouth "I love you" toward him when he first entered the court.
Conviction and Sentencing
51-year-old Brand was found guilty of raping a woman in 2009, as well as sexually assaulting female TV and radio workers between 2004 and 2009.
Mr Justice Bennathan ordered Brand to start his prison sentence immediately after being found guilty last Thursday afternoon, sending him straight to prison. The judge will pass sentence on Monday, telling the shamed star how long he must now serve in custody. He is expected to receive a lengthy jail term.
