Russell Brand faces a potential safety threat behind bars after being sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison, with a criminal justice expert warning the convicted star could be a vulnerable prisoner.
Brand, 51, was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court after being found guilty of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others between 2004 and 2009. The comedian and former TV presenter, who denied all the charges, was acquitted of two further rape charges and attempted indecent assault. He will serve two-thirds of his sentence in custody before being released on licence.
Expert warns of 'high' risk to Brand
Author and former prison governor Ian Acheson claimed the risk to high-profile sex offenders behind bars is "high". Writing on X, Mr Acheson said the danger could be particularly acute following sentencing, when the shock of imprisonment can increase the risk of self-harm.
He also warned that Brand's celebrity status could attract attention from prisoners keen to make a name for themselves by attacking a high-profile inmate.
Protection measures suggested
Mr Acheson said: "Like or loathe him (I'm firmly in the latter category) Brand is entitled to be protected by the state to serve his whole sentence. We don't and shouldn't do vigilante justice."
He suggested Brand could be placed in a vulnerable prisoner unit or a prison where he could be better protected from other inmates. He added that Brand could ask for protection himself, although prison authorities could also impose measures if they considered them necessary.
Judge's remarks and victims' bravery
The warning comes after Judge Joel Bennathan told Brand that he appeared to believe "fame meant you could act how you liked", before stressing that women had the right to say no.
Brand was seen mouthing "I love you" to his wife before being led away to the cells following the sentence. The women who came forward described the lasting trauma they had experienced. Police praised their bravery in bringing the allegations forward.
Detective Sergeant Andy Furphy said the victims had shown "immense bravery, dignity and resilience". The Metropolitan Police is also continuing to investigate two other alleged rapes, including one involving a woman who was 16 at the time.
