Sources close to Laura Gallacher's family have expressed concern about her continued support for husband Russell Brand, claiming he has "totally brainwashed" her into believing he is innocent following his rape and sexual assault convictions.
According to reporting attributed to the Mail on Sunday and subsequently covered by Page Six, people close to Gallacher's family believe Brand exercises considerable influence over her. These are claims from unnamed sources, rather than an established finding about their marriage.
Brand, 51, was sentenced at London's Southwark Crown Court on Monday, November 9, to 10 years and six months in prison. A jury convicted him of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault following a four-week trial. He will remain on the sex offenders' register for life, the Metropolitan Police confirmed.
The family sources reportedly hope that time apart will allow Gallacher to reassess her relationship and her husband's convictions. They also claimed she remained convinced of his innocence and wanted him to appeal. No named relative's public statement was included in the reporting reviewed.
Gallacher attended the sentencing hearing and has supported Brand throughout the proceedings. SBS reported that she slumped in her seat when the sentence was announced, while Brand told her, "we'll be OK," before being taken to the cells. The couple have three children.
Brand had denied the charges. The jury acquitted him of two additional rape charges and one charge of attempted indecent assault. Those acquittals concerned separate allegations from the four offences for which he was convicted.
At the sentencing hearing, statements from the four victims described the continuing impact of his crimes. Police praised the women's courage in coming forward and said their testimony had enabled Brand to be held accountable.
