Russell Brand told his wife Laura Gallacher "we'll be OK" as he was led away to begin a 10-and-a-half-year prison sentence for rape and sexual assault. Brand showed no emotion after the sentencing at Southwark Crown Court but spoke briefly to his wife before being taken downstairs by dock officers. Gallacher was seen breathing deeply and muttering "it's okay, it's okay" as the couple shared a final conversation.
Conviction and victims
Brand, now 51, was convicted of raping one of his fans and sexually assaulting three TV and radio workers during his rise to international fame. He abused his celebrity status to prey on women, with the trial covering allegations from four victims.
One fan told the court she was raped by Brand in 2009 at his luxury London home when she was 21. Female staffers at Channel 4, MTV, and Capital Radio also came forward to describe how they had been sexually assaulted by the TV star.
Judge's remarks at sentencing
On Monday, Mr Justice Bennathan condemned Brand's "staggering arrogance" as he handed down the sentence for rape and three counts of sexual assault. The judge told Brand: "About 20 years ago Russell Brand, you were becoming famous, you were clever, and in many people's eyes you were funny and charismatic. You had also become a sexual predator."
The judge said Brand's "status protected you" until 2023, when journalists from the Sunday Times, The Times, and Channel 4 Dispatches first exposed a litany of sexual misconduct, leading women to make complaints to police. He said Brand harboured a "casual arrogant disregard to any woman's right to say no to you", while his fame meant he believed "you could act when you liked and how you liked". The judge added that evidence showed Brand's entourage during his celebrity heyday had "indulged your dreadful behaviour".
