Russell Brand’s wife Laura has told a court her husband is “caring, kind and a wonderful father to our children”.

The 39-year-old told the jury at his rape and sexual assault trial that “the way he treats me is to know me”, adding: “I feel very seen by him… I love him very much.”

The media personality faces seven charges – three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one of attempted indecent assault. He denies all the charges and has pleaded not guilty.

Giving evidence at Southwark Crown Court in London on Thursday, Laura Brand was asked by the defence barrister if her husband respected her when she didn’t want to be sexual with him, and she replied: “Yes absolutely.”

Meanwhile, a former girlfriend of Russell Brand described the defendant as “gentle” and “loving”.

Elia Alvarez Diaz said they were in a relationship and lived together for about a year from 1998 to 1999, after meeting when she was training at a drama centre in London.

She described him as being “highly persuasive… a complex character” and “exciting to be with”.

“When I said no, however, he accepted it”, she said in a statement.

Their relationship ended because he cheated on her repeatedly, she said.

The trial continues.