Moment Russell Brand says goodbye to loyal spouse earlier than heading to jail for 10 years
WARNING, DISTRESSING CONTENT: Rapist Russell Brand was sentenced to over a decade in prison for raping a woman and sexually assaulting three others at Southwark Crown Court today
Russell Brand shared a moment before his wife before being taken to the cells(Image: Elizabeth Cook/Press Association)
This is the moment Russell Brand says goodbye to his wife before heading to prison. The convicted rapist, 51, was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison for rape and three sexual assaults at Southwark Crown Court today.
Just before Brand was taken to the cells, he had a brief conversation with his loyal wife Laura Gallacher. She told him, “I love you” before he said, “we’ll be okay”.
Ms Gallacher left the courtroom in tears but did not answer any questions from reporters outside the court. A court sketch of the moment between the pair has since been published.
Laura Gallacher didn’t answer questions when leaving court(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Earlier in the sentencing hearing, Ms Gallacher said “oh God” as her husband walked into the dock. As he turned to face her, she said “I love you” before Brand mouthed words to her 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. Brand’s barrister Ian Winter KC told the court today that Brand’s wife Laura Gallacher is “standing by him”.
He said: “Words are completely inadequate… to convey the total devastation she’s experiencing.
“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 was believed to have been taken away in a prison van(Image: Getty Images)
In his sentencing remarks, Mr Justice Bennathan told rapist comedian Russell Brand he had become a “sexual predator” as he was starting to become famous.
The judge added Brand acted “how you liked and when you liked, unhindered by the rules by which decent people live”.
Beginning his sentencing remarks, he told the defendant: “About 20 years ago, Russell Brand, you were becoming famous.
“You were clever – and in many people’s eyes, funny and charismatic. You had also become a sexual predator.”
The judge sentencing Russell Brand said allegations in the press and TV against the celebrity “empowered a number of women to come forward and tell their stories”. Mr Justice Bennathan said he was sentencing Brand for crimes “against four women between 2004 and 2009”.
Brand has been jailed for 10 years and six months(Image: James Manning/Press Association)
The judge said Brand was protected as a sexual offender until journalists published allegations against him in a Channel 4 documentary and articles in The Times and Sunday Times.
He added: “Those public declarations that you were a sex offender empowered a number of women to come forward and tell their stories.”
If you or somebody you know has been affected by this story, contact Victim Support for free, confidential advice on 08 08 16 89 111 or visit their website, Victim Support – Free, confidential support after crime.
