Laura Brand has arrived at Southwark Crown Court for her husband Russell Brand's sentencing, days after the comedian was convicted of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others. The hearing on Monday, November 9, follows a warning from the judge that Brand faces a significant prison term.
The 51-year-old was found guilty on November 5 following a four-week trial. The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that the four offences took place between 2004 and 2009, during his rise from stand-up comedy to television and film.
Brand denied the charges, maintaining that his sexual encounters were consensual. The jury acquitted him of two additional rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault. He was remanded in custody after the verdicts.
Laura attended court on most days during the trial, according to Sky News. The broadcaster reported that she appeared tearful when leaving after the guilty verdicts and was supported by Brand's security guard. She returned on Monday for the sentencing hearing.
A Daily Star social media report described Laura as deeply distressed by the convictions, citing an unnamed source who claimed she intended to stand by her husband. Those claims concern her private feelings and have not been confirmed in a public statement from Laura.
Prosecutors have emphasised the courage of the women who gave evidence. Senior Crown Prosecutor David Roberts said the case demonstrated how Brand used his growing celebrity status to manipulate situations and commit sexual offences. He thanked the women for coming forward and seeing the prosecution through.
The sentencing hearing is expected to include victim impact statements and submissions from prosecution and defence lawyers before Mr Justice Bennathan announces the sentence. At the latest verified update, the length of Brand's prison term had not been announced.
