Clutched rosary beads as the he walked in the courtroom and as he listened to the victim impact statements, Russell Brand spoke to Laura Gallacher as she continues to stand by her husband
Russell Brand was seen mouthing a message to his wife as he attempted to reassure her ahead of his prison sentencing. The disgraced comedian will be handed a custodial sentence after being found guilty of raping a fan in 2009 and sexually assaulting three other women.
As the shamed star made his way into the dock, Laura Gallacher told him: “I love you.” Brand then responded “It’ll be OK, I don’t know how, but it will” as he took a long look at his family including father Ron and his associates sitting behind him in the public gallery.
It’s the first time the couple have seen each other since last Thursday when Brand was immediately taken to Wandsworth prison.
Today, as her husband turned around to face her, Gallagher was heard to utter: “Oh God”
Brand was tightly clutched rosary beads as the victim impact statements were read out ahead of the formal sentencing.
Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.
Laura appeared on the verge of tears as her husband’s barrister Ian Winter KC told the court how she is standing by him.
The lawyer said he had spoken to her this morning and added that words cannot describe “the total devastation she is experiencing”.
Mr Winter added: “Mr and Mrs Brand are wrestling with how to explain to a child who has just turned ten what has happened here”.
The disgraced former comedian addressed his wife from the dock, before identifying himself to the court as the sentencing got under way. The pair also nodded to each other as the judge outlined how the sentencing would unfold.
One member of Brand’s entourage is holding a Bible with passages highlighted, as they sit behind Brand in rows of the public gallery of Southwark Crown Court.
A four-week trial heard how Brand preyed on women that he encountered on his way to becoming one of Britain’s best-known comedians, a lauded TV and radio host, and a Hollywood actor who was briefly married to singer Katy Perry..
His rape victim’s statement was read as Brand continued to look straight ahead.
Read by prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC, with the woman saying: “The defendant’s public profile had a significant impact on me – because of who he was and the influence he held, I did not feel confident speaking openly about what had happened.
“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.
“I did not have the confidence to challenge someone who appeared so powerful, rich and influential. His public profile meant that he remained present in my life even when I wanted to move on.
“I would regularly encounter references to him in the media, which made it difficult to escape reminders of what had happened.”
It continued: “The investigation and criminal justice process have been extremely difficult. Providing personal records and access to my mobile phone felt highly intrusive, and at times I felt as though I was the person being scrutinised and interrogated.
“Every update regarding the case brought back memories of the incident and felt like reopening old wounds.
“Rather than allowing me to move forward, updates often pulled me back into a painful period of my life.
“I have also been very anxious about attending court and being cross-examined.
“The thought of personal details being discussed publicly has caused me significant distress.”
Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: mirror.co.uk
