Russell Brand is supported by his golf champion father-in-law Bernard Gallacher as his rape trial hears closing speeches

Brand's lawyer told Southwark Crown Court in closing speeches that living a "highly promiscuous life is entirely lawful," urging jurors not to mistake consensual encounters for criminal ones. The defence argument came as the trial neared its conclusion, with the jury yet to retire to consider its verdict.

Ryder Cup winner Bernard Gallacher, Brand's father-in-law, sat beside him in the public gallery throughout Monday's proceedings.

Prosecutors have argued Brand used his celebrity status to coerce women; the defence insists all encounters were consensual.

Gallacher's presence signals a show of family solidarity as Brand faces the most serious accusations of his life.