Russell Brand’s wife, Laura Gallacher, played a key role in a judge’s assessment of whether the convicted rapist poses a future danger to women.
The disgraced British comedian, 51, was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison Monday after being found guilty of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others.
However, in sentencing remarks obtained by Page Six, Judge Joel Bennathan specifically pointed to evidence from Brand’s wife when explaining why there wasn’t enough proof to conclude he remained a future risk.
“Given how long ago these offences were committed and the evidence of your wife, I accept there is no sound evidential basis for me to conclude you pose a risk for the future,” the judge said.
Bennathan made the comments while explaining why he had not ordered an additional report to help determine Brand’s punishment. He noted that such reports can be necessary when a judge is considering whether a convicted criminal poses a future danger.
However, the judge did not indicate that Gallacher’s evidence influenced the length of the “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” actor’s prison sentence.
Instead, Bennathan separately explained that he reduced Brand’s rape sentence by one year because of several other factors, including his lack of significant previous convictions, the time that had passed since the crimes and his efforts to help people struggling with addiction.
Brand’s wife, 39, previously took the stand in her husband’s defense on Oct. 29, describing him as a “wonderful father” and an “amazingly attentive husband,” according to The Guardian.
“The way he treats me is to really know me, I feel very seen by him, in a way I’ve never experienced before. I love him very much,” she testified.
Gallacher also described their marriage as honest despite her husband’s past.
The couple, who married in 2017, share three children.
His wife was in court Monday when Brand learned his fate, later telling her husband, “I love you,” as he was taken away, according to Sky News.
“We’ll be okay,” Russell replied. She reportedly left the courtroom in tears.
Russell was convicted last week of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault involving four women between 2004 and 2009.
He was acquitted of two additional rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault.
During Monday’s sentencing at Southwark Crown Court in London, Bennathan slammed Russell as a “sexual predator” who used his fame to take advantage of women.
The judge said the former Hollywood star had displayed “staggering arrogance” and believed his celebrity status allowed him to behave however he pleased.
Bennathan sentenced Brand to nine years in prison for rape, with an additional 18 months for his sexual assault convictions, bringing his total sentence to 10 years and six months.
The actor, who denied the charges and maintained that his sexual encounters were consensual, must serve two-thirds of his sentence before being eligible for release under supervision.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-330-0226.
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