Laura Gallacher Stands by Russell Brand After His Conviction

Gallacher appeared distressed as Brand was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court in London on November 9. She mouthed words of support to him as he was led away, and his lawyer told the court that she was standing by her husband and struggling with how to explain the case to their children.

Brand received a 10-and-a-half-year prison term for offenses involving four women from 2004 through 2009. He must serve at least seven years. He had denied the charges. The jury convicted him of rape and three sexual assaults, while finding him not guilty on two other rape charges and an attempted indecent assault charge.

People close to Gallacher’s family said she believes Brand is innocent and views the split verdict as support for that belief. One described him as having a powerful hold over her, and said the family hoped she might consider a new life apart from him. Gallacher has supported Brand during the case and has been married to him since 2017. They have three children.

Police have received multiple reports of further alleged sexual abuse since the convictions. Former girlfriend Jemima Goldsmith also accused Brand of violence, coercive control and abuse, and said she contacted police after an incident in 2014. Prosecutors may reach a decision in the coming weeks on whether to bring charges over two further alleged rapes, including one involving a 16-year-old.