Russell Brand could be moved to one of Britain's most notorious high-security prisons, where Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins was stabbed to death. The former comedian and actor is currently being held at HMP Wandsworth in south London after being sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison on November 9.
He was convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.
Assessed for transfer to Wakefield
Russell Brand is reportedly being assessed for a switch to HMP Wakefield. A source told The Sun: "Brand is being risk-assessed for a move to Wakefield. There are still some hoops to go through but staff at the prison are expecting him. He is still at Category B Wandsworth at the moment but is likely to be moved in the next few days or weeks. And Wakefield is the most likely place.
"It is one of the prisons where high-profile people get sent and — despite what happened to Watkins — is deemed a safer place for Brand."
High staffing levels and segregation
The source added: "There are much higher levels of staffing at them. Officers there are better trained and have more resources to look after Brand.
"But if the move does go ahead, he will have an incredibly tough time. There are some really nasty killers and sex offenders there and Brand will have to kept away from them initially.
"He's quite likely to go in and be put on segregation, but that can't last forever and he will then have to on a wing."
Due to the large proportion of sex offenders and murderers among its population, HMP Wakefield has earned the grim nickname "Monster Mansion."
