Inside Russell Brand’s troubled prison from grim toilets to sex in cells

Russell Brand is being held at HMP Wandsworth ahead of an expected sentencing on Monday, following convictions for rape and sexual assault. His arrival has reportedly prompted chants from prisoners, while the jail’s longstanding problems have renewed attention on conditions in one of England and Wales’s most overcrowded prisons.

The Howard League for Penal Reform says Wandsworth is operating at 163% of its normal capacity, second only to Leeds at 170%. A recent monitoring board report described unsafe and unsanitary conditions, citing overcrowding and problems with heating and hot water; other reported concerns include rats, broken toilets, long periods locked in cells and staff shortages. The prison has also faced security scandals, including an escape in 2023 and the mistaken release of two prisoners last year.