Brand will face ‘hell on earth’ in Wandsworth prison, says former inmate

Russell Brand is being held at HMP Wandsworth after being convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault and sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison. A former inmate described the prison’s first weeks as a severe mental and physical shock, while staff said Brand’s arrival had drawn attention and anger from other prisoners.

Brand was reportedly moved from isolation to a main wing and is said by a source close to him to be coping “remarkably well”. New arrivals have their belongings taken and are issued prison clothing and basic supplies; access to work, visits and phone calls can involve delays. Former prisoners and prison staff say Brand’s high profile and convictions could leave him vulnerable to abuse or assault by other inmates.