Laura Gallacher, the wife of Russell Brand, is reportedly blindsided and struggling after the comedian was convicted of rape and sexual assault. Family members are said to be supporting her as she remains loyal to her husband.
Guilty verdict and family support
Brand was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. He is being held at HMP Wandsworth in South London before his sentencing on Monday, after a judge denied his bail request.
Gallacher, whose father is former golf pro Bernard Gallacher, has stood by Brand's side and was often pictured with him at Southwark Crown Court. A friend told The Sun that her parents and family are supporting her, saying: "Laura’s whole world has collapsed. She is holding it together for the children."
The friend added: "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."
Incident at HMP Wandsworth
Police cars, ambulances and fire engines have been photographed at HMP Wandsworth, where Brand is residing. The exact nature of the incident remains unclear. A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "At 0946, Firefighters were called to HMP Wandsworth. The incident was over for crews by 1020."
It is understood that Gallacher will live at the couple's luxury Henley-on-Thames home, rather than the Florida property where they relocated in 2024, to be close by while Brand is incarcerated.
Conditions in isolation
Brand is reportedly struggling while held in isolation. A woman who had just visited her son inside the jail told the Mirror: "My son said Brand is downstairs from him. He said no one is allowed to see or speak to him."
Another female visitor added: "Apparently Brand requested to go on the main wing, but they decided to put him in isolation." A further visitor claimed the comedian is "struggling to eat the food," adding, "it's slop".
According to reports, officials are keen to find him a more suitable prison than Wandsworth, which is believed to be dilapidated with scurrying rats inside the cells and problems with hot water. His arrival is said to have coincided with another inmate staging a "dirty protest", deliberately smearing or throwing faeces or urine around his cell, according to the Daily Mail.
