Russell Brand's wife gives evidence at rape trial defending husband

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 29 Oct, 11:33 · Archive

Laura Brand told the court her husband is caring and kind, testifying for the defence at his rape and sexual assault trial.

Russell Brand's wife Laura gave evidence at his rape and sexual assault trial at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, appearing as a defence witness. She told the jury that her husband is 'caring, kind and a wonderful father to our children', adding that 'the way he treats me is to know me' and 'I feel very seen by him... I love him very much'.

Under questioning by Brand's lawyer Ian Winter KC, she described their sexual relationship when they first met as 'very caring, totally at my pace'. She said she had been inexperienced at the time, having had only one previous partner. When asked whether Brand was promiscuous, she acknowledged she became aware he was engaging in sexual activity with others, and said she found his infidelity difficult. The couple broke up in February 2007, the court heard.

When asked by the defence barrister whether her husband respected her when she did not want to be sexual, she replied: 'Yes absolutely'. A former girlfriend, Elia Alvarez Diaz, also gave evidence describing Brand as 'gentle', 'loving' and 'highly persuasive'. She said that when she said no to him, 'he accepted it', though their relationship ended because he cheated on her repeatedly.

Brand denies all seven charges against him: three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one of attempted indecent assault.

How it is being reported

• Russell Brand's wife tells jury entertainer is 'kind and caring'Laura Brand says she feels "entirely cared for and looked after" by her husband as she gave evidence in his defence at Southwark Crown CourtEvening Standard · 29 Oct, 12:38
• Russell Brand's wife tells his rape trial he is 'kind and a wonderful father'Laura Brand tells the jury at his trial she feels "very seen by him" and "I love him very much".BBC News · 29 Oct, 11:17
• Russell Brand trial live: Comedian’s wife giving evidence as surprise witness in rape and sex assault caseLaura Gallacher and Russell Brand walked into Southwark Crown Court holding hands as the trial resumed on ThursdayThe Independent · 29 Oct, 10:21

In this story: Russell Brand · Laura Brand · Elia Alvarez Diaz · Southwark Crown Court · Ian Winter KC

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log