Russell Brand's wife, Laura Gallacher, has vowed to "stand by him" following his conviction for rape and sexual assault, the court heard ahead of his sentencing at Southwark Crown Court.
Defence barrister Ian Winter KC told the court that Gallacher is "standing by him" after hearing victim impact statements.
"Words are completely inadequate… to convey the total devastation she's experiencing," he said. "They are wrestling with how to explain to a child who's just turned 10 what has just happened here and the consequences of this conduct to totally innocent people who have been caught up in it."
Brand's Message to Wife in Court
As he entered the dock on Monday, Brand said "it'll be OK, I don't know how, but it will" to his wife, taking a long look at his family and associates in the public gallery. Gallacher replied "oh God" and then said "I love you" to her husband after he turned to face her.
Brand winked and nodded at his wife and entourage while clutching a crucifix as the hearing was paused for lunch. He was seen drawing a cross with his hand and saying a prayer as the court was told of the impact on his victims.
The former comedian and actor, now 51, was found guilty of raping a woman in 2009 and sexually assaulting female TV and radio workers between 2004 and 2009. Gallacher, who has a famous sporting family, supported her husband throughout the trial and attended every day by his side.
Victim Impact Statements
The court heard Brand believed he could commit offences "with impunity" and "abused the influence and power that came with his fame." The four victims delivered impact statements, speaking of the crimes' impact and the difficulty of standing up in court.
The woman raped by Brand in 2009, after meeting him at a comedy show at the Hammersmith Apollo, told the court she struggled with alcoholism and mental health issues in the intervening years. She said she struggled seeing Brand in Hollywood films, on TV and radio, and as an online influencer.
"Because of who he was and the influence he held, I did not feel confident speaking openly about what had happened," she said. "I did not know who I could trust or confide in. I felt that if I reported him, I would not be believed. His fame, wealth, and influence created a power imbalance which made me feel powerless."
A radio worker sexually assaulted in 2005 told the court she almost withdrew her allegation due to emotional strain. "Russell Brand is a sexual predator who has no remorse for how his behaviour has impacted my life," she said. "I just hope that he is not allowed to hurt any more women."
A former MTV worker, groped in a Soho bar, delivered her statement behind a screen, saying she felt her life was on hold. She suffered a panic attack after seeing media reports of her evidence and described seeing her character "torn apart on social media by people believing all of us women were making it up."
A woman sexually assaulted while Brand was filming in 2009 said she fears the incident will "haunt me every day." She added: "I finally feel believed but I am still so anxious. I worry that there will be repercussions for telling the truth."
Brand is due to be sentenced at 2pm.
