Russell Brand mouthed a message to his wife Laura Gallacher as he entered the dock at Southwark Crown Court ahead of being handed a custodial sentence. The disgraced comedian was found guilty of raping a fan in 2009 and sexually assaulting three other women.
As Brand made his way into the dock, Gallacher told him: "I love you." Brand responded, "It'll be OK, I don't know how, but it will," as he looked at his family, including his father Ron, sitting in the public gallery. It was the first time the couple had seen each other since Brand was taken to Wandsworth prison last Thursday.
Victim impact statements read in court
As her husband turned to face her, Gallacher was heard to utter: "Oh God." Brand tightly clutched rosary beads as the victim impact statements were read out ahead of the formal sentencing. The pair nodded to each other as the judge outlined how the sentencing would proceed.
Brand's rape victim's statement was read by prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC, with the woman saying: "The defendant's public profile had a significant impact on me – because of who he was and the influence he held, I did not feel confident speaking openly about what had happened.
"I did not know who I could trust or confide in. I felt that if I reported him, I would not be believed. His fame, wealth and influence created a power imbalance which made me feel powerless.
Impact of the trial on the victim
The statement continued: "I did not have the confidence to challenge someone who appeared so powerful, rich and influential. His public profile meant that he remained present in my life even when I wanted to move on.
"I would regularly encounter references to him in the media, which made it difficult to escape reminders of what had happened."
The statement also described the investigation and criminal justice process as "extremely difficult," with the woman saying: "Providing personal records and access to my mobile phone felt highly intrusive, and at times I felt as though I was the person being scrutinised and interrogated.
"Every update regarding the case brought back memories of the incident and felt like reopening old wounds. Rather than allowing me to move forward, updates often pulled me back into a painful period of my life.
"I have also been very anxious about attending court and being cross-examined. The thought of personal details being discussed publicly has caused me significant distress."
One member of Brand's entourage held a Bible with passages highlighted as they sat behind him in the public gallery. The four-week trial heard how Brand preyed on women he encountered on his way to becoming one of Britain's best-known comedians, a TV and radio host, and a Hollywood actor briefly married to singer Katy Perry. Brand's rape victim's statement was read as he continued to look straight ahead.
