Russell Brand's wife Laura Gallacher was supported in court by her father, former Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher, who allegedly once pleaded with her to leave the comedian. Brand, 51, was convicted on Thursday (November 5) of rape and three counts of sexual assault following a trial at Southwark Crown Court. He was found not guilty of two counts of rape and one charge of attempted indecent assault.
Family Support Throughout Trial
Laura, 39, lowered her head and clutched her chair firmly as the jury's decision was announced, before being escorted swiftly from court by the couple's security guard. She has remained by her husband's side throughout the legal proceedings, along with her father Bernard, who was photographed escorting his daughter and son-in-law to court earlier this week.
Bernard, amongst British golf's most distinguished personalities, reportedly expressed doubts about his daughter's involvement with Brand and allegedly warned her against marrying him. Based on a Daily Mail article from 2023, the golfing icon was worried over the 12-year age difference when they initially started seeing each other, with Laura merely 19 while Brand was already in his 30s.
Reported Reservations and Reconciliation
Bernard was reportedly 'delighted' when their relationship concluded in 2007, before experiencing surprise when the pair reignited their romance some years afterwards. A source close to the family told the newspaper at the time: "Bernard is a very straight-laced guy, with no side to him. So in that sense, he and Brand are chalk and cheese."
Despite those reported initial reservations, Bernard has openly shown his support for his daughter throughout Brand's criminal trial. The 77-year-old was pictured arriving at Southwark Crown Court on Monday alongside Laura and Brand, with his hands on his daughter's back as the family made their way into the building. He then took a seat next to Laura in the public gallery as Brand's barrister, Ian Winter KC, delivered his closing speech to the jury.
Family Background and Relationship History
Bernard is a highly regarded figure in British sport, having represented Europe in eight Ryder Cups and going on to captain the side on three occasions. From Bathgate in West Lothian, Scotland, he is also the father of former Sky Sports presenter Kirsty Gallacher, who has built an impressive broadcasting career and is Laura's elder sister.
Kirsty is said to have played a pivotal role in bringing Brand and Laura together, having introduced her younger sister to the comedian when she was a teenager. The couple began their relationship in 2007, but it was short-lived. When giving evidence during Brand's trial, Laura revealed that his inability to remain faithful had been a contributing factor in their split. The pair ultimately reconciled in 2015 before tying the knot two years afterward and they are now parents to three children.
Kirsty also attracted attention when accusations against Brand initially surfaced in September 2023. The ex-Sky Sports News host posted a clip in which Brand denied the allegations, adding a red heart emoji to the Instagram upload. The post was later removed, according to national press reports from that period.
Brand was convicted on Thursday at Southwark Crown Court of rape and three counts of sexual assault at the end of a four-week trial. He is now in custody and will be handed a lengthy prison term on Monday.
