Russell Brand's wife, Laura Gallacher, is expected to return to the UK and wait for him following his conviction on one count of rape and three charges of sexual assault, according to friends. The former comedian and actor will be sentenced on Monday.
Gallacher, 39, the daughter of retired Scottish golfer Bernard Gallacher, has been described as "resolutely loyal" and is thought to be preparing to return to Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire, where the couple already own a property. Brand married the author and illustrator in 2017, and the couple moved to Florida, US, in 2024.
Support Through the Trial
Gallacher stood by Brand throughout his trial at Southwark Crown Court in London, often seen hand in hand with her husband as they arrived at the court. However, a friend told The Sun: "Her husband is a rapist and that will follow her everywhere she goes. But Laura is resolutely loyal to Russell and has been for a long time."
The friend added: "She believed what he told her and has stood by him this entire time. As his wife, her loyalty is with Russell. And he undoubtedly will need her support more than ever now. The people closest to her believe she is going to stay in the UK and wait for him."
Emotional Aftermath in Court
Gallacher, whose sister is TV presenter Kirsty Gallacher, had to be held up by a security guard while leaving Court Three at Southwark Crown Court after the guilty verdicts on Thursday. She was reportedly tearful and struggling to breathe while a female friend held her hand. Gallacher, a blogger and former restaurateur, has three children with Brand and is being supported by her parents and siblings.
Another friend said: "Laura's whole world has collapsed. She is holding it together for the children. The people around her are just trying to support her as best they can. She doesn't need judgement, she needs an arm around her shoulder."
Custodial Sentence Expected
Brand and Gallacher are now expected to spend their tenth wedding anniversary next August apart, with the judge warning Brand he is likely to face a significant jail term. Addressing Brand at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, Judge Justice Bennathan said: "Sit down Mr Brand. Mr Winter (defending), Ms Karmy-Jones (prosecuting), just on what happens next given the verdict on count six at least, obviously a custodial sentence of some length will result."
The judge added: "You've been convicted of a number of offences including rape. The consequence of that is inevitably a significant custodial term. My current view is that I therefore have to remand you into custody."
