Laura Gallacher refuses to abandon Russell Brand, despite her shamed husband being sentenced to 10-and-a-half years in prison for raping a woman and sexually assaulting three others.
As Russell Brand was sent down to begin his decade-long prison sentence, his loyal wife struggled to hold it together. Laura Gallacher has not moved from his side, despite hearing the harrowing evidence against her shamed husband, and the convictions that have caused “total devastation” to her life.
It will be down to her to tell her three young children where their father is – and why he will not be coming home for many years. Brand and his wife have been married since 2017, after they started dating when she was 19 and he was 31. He will be 61 when he is released, if he services his full sentence.
After shaking her head as the victim’s impact statements were read out in court today, Laura was seen breathing deeply and muttering “it’s OK, it’s OK” as a large group of people ushered her through the corridors of Southwark Crown Court after the sentence was passed.
But what is next for her and her family as she contemplates the next ten-and-a-half years without her rapist partner? The Mirror takes a look at their life together.
Standing by him
Brand’s rape and sexual assault convictions have caused “total devastation” to his wife but she is “standing by him”, his defence barrister has said.
Ms Gallacher, the daughter of Ryder Cup winning golfer Bernard Gallacher and sister of sports presenter Kirsty Gallacher, joined the eight other members of Brand’s entourage in the public gallery at Southwark Crown Court, which included the rapist comedian’s father, Ronald.
Ms Gallacher told Brand “I love you”, and he said to her as he was led away to the cells: “We’ll be OK.”
Telling their children
The couple have so far decided against telling their children about their father’s crimes.
The kids, aged 10, eight and three, have been shielded from the truth – and now Laura most tell them he will spend years behind bars.
During his submissions to the court ahead of Mr Justice Bennathan’s sentencing, lawyer Mr Winter said: “I’m afraid words are completely inadequate to truly try to convey to your Lordship the total devastation she’s experiencing.
“Currently (they) are wrestling with how to exactly explain to a child who’s just turned 10 what has happened here.
“It brings home the consequences of this conduct to totally innocent people who have been caught up in it.”
Possible podcast performance?
During the trial, Brand and Ms Gallacher carried on recording their Sunday Service podcasts, which saw the couple detail their thoughts on faith and the justice process.Ms Gallacher spoke in the videos about her “nerves” before arriving at court, and compared the experience to being in the “eye of the storm”.
She also made reference to the address of the courthouse, Battle Bridge Lane, suggesting it was apt because “you don your armour”.
Her prison fears
Ahead of the outcome, Gallacher addressed the thought of her husband languishing in jail as she shared a supportive comment from a fan who reached out to the couple.
The comment said: “I spent five years in prison and 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 in prison in. a way I’ve never felt anywhere else.”
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