Russell Brand’s wife calls him an amazing husband during sexual assault trial

LONDON: British comedian and actor Russell Brand's wife, Laura Gallacher has told a London court that he struggled with monogamy in the past but later became a caring and attentive husband as she appeared as a character witness in his ongoing rape and sexual assault trial.

LONDON: British comedian and actor Russell Brand’s wife, Laura Gallacher has told a London court that he struggled with monogamy in the past but later became a caring and attentive husband as she appeared as a character witness in his ongoing rape and sexual assault trial.

Gallacher testified on Thursday describing Brand as a kind supportive partner and devoted father to their three children. She told the court that despite difficulties in his earlier relationships he had become an “amazing” husband.

Brand, 51 is facing seven charges involving rape, sexual assault and attempted indecent assault. The allegations concern six women and incidents reportedly dating between 1999 and 2009, during the period when he was establishing himself as a comedian and television presenter.

He has denied all charges maintaining that his previous sexual relationships were consensual. If convicted he could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The trial is approaching its conclusion with jurors expected to begin considering their verdict on Tuesday.

During her testimony Gallacher explained that she first started dating Brand in 2006 when she was 19. She said he had treated her with consideration and respected her comfort during their relationship.

However, she also revealed that their early romance experienced difficulties after she discovered he was involved with other women. Gallacher said she did not want to continue a relationship if he was seeing other people adding that remaining faithful appeared challenging for him.

The couple eventually married in 2017 and now have three children together. Gallacher has also appeared alongside Brand on his YouTube channel which has more than six million subscribers.

She acknowledged being aware of his reputation for having multiple relationships saying reports about his personal life were regularly published in newspapers.

Brand previously admitted during his testimony that he had been excessively focused on sex and had used his celebrity status to gain sexual opportunities.

The comedian was previously married to American pop star Katy Perry between 2010 and 2011. Gallacher told the court that she and Brand remained friends after their initial separation but had limited contact during the following years.

The court also heard statements from two of Brand’s former girlfriends. One of them, Elia Alvarez Diaz, recalled their relationship during the 1990s describing him as unfaithful and saying their romance involved frequent disagreements.

The judge meanwhile dismissed questions concerning Gallacher’s personal views on the allegations against her husband.