Russell Brand’s Wife Testifies and the Judge Stops One Question Cold, Closings Today, an Arrest 15 Years After Michelle Parker Vanished

Laura Brand gave evidence for her husband at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, telling jurors he is caring and kind, a wonderful father, and that she feels very seen by him. She was 19 and he was 31 when they met at the Edinburgh Festival in 2006; she said she had had one previous partner, that on their first date she did not want to have full sex and he did not push, and that she felt entirely cared for. She also told the court he slept with other women while they dated, which is why they split in 2007. When defence barrister Ian Winter KC asked her view of the truth of the allegations, Mr Justice Bennathan intervened forcefully — she is not an expert witness — and prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC called a rephrased version wholly unacceptable; the jury and the witness were sent out. Brand, 51, denies all seven charges. Closing speeches are today, with deliberations expected to begin Tuesday. Also: Dale Smith Jr. has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder 15 years after Michelle Parker, 33, vanished in Orlando. He has pleaded not guilty. And Jaylen Edgar was sentenced to consecutive life terms for the 2024 Orlando Halloween shootings. Garret Fisher reports. Join our new FB groups page here. Take the poll! Join the Daily Crime & Justice community on social media! We're building a passionate group of true crime enthusiasts who love diving deep into the most shocking cases in America. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram by searching "Daily Crime & Justice" on either platform.  You'll get exclusive behind-the-scenes content, breaking news updates on cases we're covering, and early alerts when new episodes drop. Our social media is where Garret Fisher's hottest takes live, including reactions that don't make it into the show. But more importantly, it's where YOU come in. Share your theories, debate the verdicts, and connect with fellow listeners who are just as obsessed with justice as you are. Did the jury get it right? What questions do you still have? Your comments and insights often shape future episodes. We cover the trials that matter, but our community makes the conversation unforgettable. Come for Garret's signature cynical commentary, stay for the incredible discussions with thousands of true crime fans who get it.