Russell Brand's sentencing at Southwark Crown Court, due to begin at 10.30am on Monday, was delayed by over three hours as court staff reorganised the courtroom before proceedings got under way.
The delay came because the courtroom had to be rearranged so that Brand, his supporters in court and those in the public gallery could not see the witness box. One of the four women chose to give her victim impact statement live in court, while the others were expected to be read by the prosecution. All are entitled to lifelong anonymity, and several screens were set up as a result.
Brand enters the dock
After Brand finally entered the dock, the judge said he would begin his sentencing remarks at 2pm, following a lunch break at Southwark Crown Court. The 51-year-old entered the large glass dock at 11.10am, appearing to wear the same suit he had on when he was found guilty last Thursday.
After confirming his identity to the judge, Brand turned towards his wife in the public gallery. He mouthed “it’ll be OK, I don’t know how, but it will” to his wife, Laura Gallacher, as he took a long look at his family and associates sitting behind him in the public gallery. Ms Gallacher said “Oh God” as her husband walked into the dock and then said “I love you” to her after he turned around to face her.
Guilty verdict and immediate custody
Last week, Brand was found guilty at Southwark Crown Court of raping a woman in 2009, as well as sexually assaulting female TV and radio workers between 2004 and 2009. Mr Justice Bennathan ordered Brand to start his prison sentence immediately after being found guilty last Thursday (November 5), sending him straight to prison at HMP Wandsworth, where he has spent the last four nights.
The judge will pass sentence today, telling the shamed star how long he must now serve in custody. If you have been affected by any themes in this story, you can call Rape Crisis for free 24 hours a day on 0808 500 2222. You can also visit the website to start a free online chat.
