Russell Brand's father, Ron Brand, launched a hostile outburst outside court after watching his son being sentenced to more than 10 years in prison. He used the moment to defend his son, who was convicted of rape and sexual assault.
As he left court, a reporter asked whether he had any message for the victims. Ron Brand replied: "The victims? What, Russell?" He added: "The girls, you mean? ...who chased him and harassed him - is that what you mean?"
Father calls son 'strong'
Asked how his son would cope in prison, Ron Brand told reporters: "Yeah, he's strong, he's strong." When asked how his daughter-in-law, Laura Gallacher, would hold up with her husband in prison, he said: "She's strong as well."
Earlier, Laura Gallacher, who has vowed to stand by her husband, made no expression and answered no questions as she walked out of Southwark Crown Court and got into a black minivan parked behind a crowd outside. Cameras flashed and the crowd pushed tight around the team that flanked her, which included security.
Public reaction and official statements
Members of the public banged on a prison van as it left the court, and photographers chased after it in the belief it may have contained Brand, though it is not clear whether he was actually in the van. Some shouted abuse, with one man shouting: "Not so funny now Russell, are you?"
David Roberts, senior crown prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, said: "Today's result shows that fame, status and the passage of time do not change the fundamental issue of consent. No matter who the abuser is, or what the situation or circumstances are, we will always take allegations of rape and sexual assault seriously."
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy of the Metropolitan Police said: "Today's sentence marks a significant milestone in our investigation and means Russell Brand has been held accountable for his crimes." He praised the victims' bravery and urged others to come forward, adding: "If you come forward, you will be listened to, supported and treated with care and compassion."
