Russell Brand, 51, was jailed for 10-and-a-half years after being convicted of raping a fan and sexually assaulting three TV and radio workers. His wife, Laura Gallacher, has vowed to stand by him, and their last podcast together before the sentencing has emerged, showing the couple praying and discussing prison.
Conviction and sentencing at Southwark Crown Court
Brand was found guilty following a four-week trial at Southwark Crown Court of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault against four victims. He was found not guilty of two counts of rape and one charge of attempted indecent assault.
On Monday, November 9, Mr Justice Bennathan criticised Brand's "staggering arrogance" as he passed the sentence. The court heard how Brand preyed on women he encountered during his rise to become one of Britain's best-known comedians, a TV and radio host, and a Hollywood actor briefly married to singer Katy Perry.
Wife's vow and family impact
The convictions have caused "total devastation" to Laura Gallacher, but she is "standing by him", according to his defence barrister, Ian Winter KC. He told the court that the couple have been "wrestling with how to explain" to their 10-year-old child what has happened to their father.
Gallacher, daughter of Ryder Cup-winning golfer Bernard Gallacher and sister of sports presenter Kirsty Gallacher, was among nine members of Brand's entourage in the public gallery, including his father, Ronald.
Final podcast before jail
Their podcast, Sunday Service with The Brands, posted its latest episode on October 11, titled The I of The Storm. During the opening, Brand said: "We're in the UK, why is that?" before joking, "fancied a trip" and adding, "the Lord brought us here".
The episode opened with a prayer, and Brand asked people to "pray for us if you feel so inclined" ahead of the trial, which was set to start the day after. He said: "For me being back here, obviously there are great challenges knowing that however we shake this down, there are people that feel aggrieved and hurt and my prayer is that this will be addressed in the coming weeks."
Gallacher said it was their aim to carry on with Sunday Service and that, despite "times of challenge", that is when they needed to find their "footing", "grounding", and "anchor and connection with God".
Later, she read a viewer's message: "I know what it's like to be awaiting possible imprisonment and the huge pressure it places on loved ones too. You WILL get through it; iron sharpens iron. The presence of God is everywhere, including prison." Brand interrupted, saying: "I don't like things where it's like, you might have to go to prison."
The podcast caption referenced the trial, noting the couple were "Back in the UK for Russell's trial" and discussed topics including Hurricane Isiah and "the mystery woman in yellow". Brand is now beginning his 10-and-a-half-year prison sentence.
