Russell Brand's wife Laura Gallacher gives thumbs up to protester outside court

Russell Brand’s wife gave a protester a thumbs up this morning ahead of the shamed comedian’s sentencing for rape and sexual assault.

He was also convicted of three sexual assaults on more women between 2004 and 2009.

Laura Gallacher arrived flanked by security and a friend

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Her friend held tight to Mrs Gallacher’s shoulders as they walked briskly past the press cameras into the courthouse at about 9.20am, more than an hour before Brand’s sentencing was due to begin.

She did not answer reporters’ questions as she entered Southwark Crown Court, but muttered “morning” in response to one photographer saying “morning, Laura”.

Mrs Gallacher, wearing sunglasses, a blazer and a polo neck jumper, appeared to turn and give a thumbs up towards a protester shouting in support of her husband.

The protester held up a large banner outside the central London court that said: “Russell Brand we stand with you.

“Christ was crucified for telling the truth. Russell is the truth.”

Russell Brand supporters outside Southwark Crown Court ahead of today’s sentencing hearing

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The pair have been married since 2019 and share three children together.

Brand has been warned to expect a long prison sentence after the jury unanimously found him guilty of four charges.

Rape carries a sentence of four to 19 years behind bars, and sexual assault offences can be punished by up to 10 years’ imprisonment.

The judge will consider victim impact statements and lawyers' arguments before delivering the sentence in a session beginning at 10.30am.