Russell Brand, found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault, has reportedly begged his wife Laura Gallacher to attend his sentencing at Southwark Crown Court on Monday. The 51-year-old comedian faces a "substantial" jail term, according to the judge.
Guilty Verdict and Trial Details
A jury of eight men and four women delivered the verdicts after a three-week trial. Brand was found not guilty of two counts of rape and one count of attempted indecent assault. During the proceedings, he was described in court as "ruthless" and a "sexual predator." Some of the women said they had been left "haunted for years" by his actions.
Brand, once one of the UK's most high-profile entertainers, has been held in isolation while in custody. A woman who 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."
Wife's Dilemma
Laura Gallacher, 39, is reportedly in "two minds" over whether she can face attending the sentencing. She attended the three-week trial and was Brand's only character witness. Previous reports indicated she had vowed to stand by her husband, but she is now struggling to come to terms with the guilty verdict as her "heart has been smashed into a million pieces."
A source told The Sun: "At the moment she's unsure whether she will be in court for the sentencing. Russell has begged her to be there because he's no idea how long it will be before he sees her again." The source added: "But there's also a part of Laura which is scared about running the gauntlet on Monday and having to face everyone again."
The mother of three, sister of TV presenter Kirsty Gallacher, is being supported by her parents, former golf pro Bernard, 77, and wife Lesley. Brand is scheduled to be sentenced on Monday at Southwark Crown Court.
