Laura Gallacher, the wife of Russell Brand, is reportedly planning to move back to the UK as her husband prepares to begin a lengthy prison sentence. Brand was found guilty of one count of rape and three charges of sexual assault at Southwark Crown Court in London on Thursday.
Plans to Return to Henley-on-Thames
Gallacher, 39, an author and illustrator, is said to be poised to return to Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire, where the couple already own a property. Brand married Gallacher in 2017, and the couple moved to Florida, US, in 2024. She has been described as "resolutely loyal" to Brand throughout the trial, often pictured holding his hand as they arrived at court.
A friend told The Sun: "Her husband is a rapist and that will follow her everywhere she goes. But Laura is resolutely loyal to Russell and has been for a long time." The friend added: "She believed what he told her and has stood by him this entire time. As his wife, her loyalty is with Russell. And he undoubtedly will need her support more than ever now. The people closest to her believe she is going to stay in the UK and wait for him."
Emotional Scene in Court
Gallacher, who has three children with Brand, had to be held up by a security guard while leaving Court Three at Southwark Crown Court after the guilty verdicts were delivered. She had earlier appeared tearful and as though she was struggling to breathe while a female friend held her hand.
Gallacher, a blogger and former restaurateur, is being supported by her parents, including former golf pro Bernard Gallacher, and her siblings. The friend continued: "Laura's whole world has collapsed. She is holding it together for the children. The people around her are just trying to support her as best they can. She doesn't need judgement, she needs an arm around her shoulder."
Custodial Sentence Expected
Brand, who used to have his own radio programme, is due to be sentenced on Monday. The couple are now set to spend their tenth wedding anniversary next August behind bars. The judge warned Brand he is likely to face a significant jail term.
Addressing Brand at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, Judge Justice Bennathan said: "Sit down Mr Brand. Mr Winter (defending), Ms Karmy-Jones (prosecuting), just on what happens next given the verdict on count six at least, obviously a custodial sentence of some length will result. You've been convicted of a number of offences including rape. The consequence of that is inevitably a significant custodial term. My current view is that I therefore have to remand you into custody."
