Russell Brand’s wife tells jury he is kind and respects her boundaries

Laura Brand told a jury at Southwark Crown Court that her husband, Russell Brand, was “caring, kind and a wonderful father” as he faces seven sexual offence charges, all of which he denies.

Giving evidence on Thursday, she said she loved him and that he respected her when she did not want sex. Asked by the defence whether that was so, she replied: “Yes, absolutely.”

Brand has pleaded not guilty to three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of attempted indecent assault. He gave evidence on Wednesday, telling the jury the allegations had had a “devastating” effect on his relationships with friends and colleagues. He also said consent was “fundamental, essential, necessary”.

The jury also heard evidence from Elia Alvarez Diaz, a former girlfriend who said they lived together for about a year from 1998 to 1999. She described Brand as “gentle” and “loving”, and said that when she told him no, he accepted it. She said their relationship ended after he repeatedly cheated on her.

The trial continues.