Laura Gallacher, the wife of Russell Brand, has been a constant presence throughout her husband's trial at Southwark Crown Court, attending almost every day and giving evidence in his defence. The 39-year-old author and illustrator, who has largely stayed out of the public eye despite her famous family, returned to court on Monday, November 9, to hear Brand's sentence.
Brand, now 51, was found guilty on Thursday, November 5, of raping a woman in 2009 and sexually assaulting female TV and radio workers between 2004 and 2009. Laura was visibly emotional when the jury returned its verdicts.
Famous Family and Private Life
Laura was raised on Surrey's exclusive Wentworth estate and pursued art at university before starting out in restaurant and nightclub management. She is the younger sister of television presenter Kirsty Gallacher and the daughter of former professional Scottish golfer Bernard Gallacher, who captained Europe in the Ryder Cup in 1991, 1993, and 1995.
Despite her family's public profile, Laura has developed her own career in the creative industries as an author, illustrator and creative entrepreneur. Her books include The Joy Journal for Magical Everyday Play, which encourages parents and children to take part in creative activities together, and The Joy Journal for Grown-ups, which focuses on finding creativity and enjoyment in everyday life.
Relationship with Russell Brand
Laura first met Brand in 2007 when she was 19 and he was 31, introduced through her sister Kirsty, who shared an agent with the comedian. Their romance was short-lived, and Brand later married Katy Perry in 2010, with their divorce finalised in 2012.
The pair crossed paths again in 2015, eight years after their initial relationship, after both had experienced relationship break-ups. They welcomed their first daughter, Mabel, in 2016, married in August 2017 in an intimate ceremony near their home in Oxfordshire, and later had a second daughter, Peggy, in 2018, followed by a son in 2023. The family later relocated to the United States.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Giving evidence for the defence, Laura spoke about the history of their relationship, describing Brand as an attentive and caring husband. She also faced questions about the couple's life together, including their family and his behaviour during their marriage.
On Monday morning, Laura returned to Southwark Crown Court as her husband faced sentencing. A woman held tight to Laura's shoulders as they walked briskly past the press cameras into the courthouse at about 9.20am. Laura, 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.
Brand said “it’ll be OK, I don’t know how, but it will” to his wife as he took a long look at his family and associates sitting behind him in the public gallery. Laura said “oh God” as her husband walked into the dock and then said “I love you” to him after he turned around to face her.
