HMP Wandsworth, the Category B men's prison where Russell Brand is being held, had dilapidated cells, scurrying rats and problems with hot water, according to a damning inspection report. Inspectors raised concerns about several aspects of the southwest London prison and issued an immediate action plan to improve standards at the facility, which holds more than 1,500 inmates.
Poor living conditions and overcrowding
The report, based on an inspection in April and May 2024 and seen by the Mirror, said: "Overall living conditions were poor. Levels of overcrowding were high, with 80% of prisoners sharing cells designed for one. The prison was dirty. Many showers were in poor condition across the prison, and some should have been decommissioned. There were frequent issues with heating and hot water."
The document also noted that numerous cells had damaged furniture, flooring, windows or sinks, and that many observation panels were blocked or smashed. Vermin remained a problem, with prisoners reporting that rodents were still seen frequently and inspectors finding evidence of rat droppings across residential units.
Safety concerns among inmates
The report also highlighted poor outcomes for prisoners, with time outside cells described as poor. A survey of inmates showed that one third said they felt unsafe at the time of inspection, while 69% said they had felt unsafe at some point.
The HM Inspectorate of Prisons gave the prison the opportunity to present an action plan, which was published in August that year. The measures were put in place less than one year after Daniel Khalife, now 25, absconded from HMP Wandsworth and sparked a huge manhunt.
Action plan and improvements
In its action plan, the prison said the governor and teams at the Ministry of Justice had taken steps to address 15 primary concerns following the unannounced inspection. In response to concerns about cell conditions, the plan said a full cell audit had been completed in June 2024, with shortfalls in furniture identified and orders placed to replenish them. It also outlined new cell inventory processes and weekly and monthly checks by managers.
The plan added that improved reporting of damaged cells would be introduced, with GFSL held accountable through daily operational meetings and a monthly Tripartite meeting chaired by the Governor. A full review of infrastructure would be conducted with MOJ Property partners, and a programme of shower repair works would be implemented. HMP Wandsworth has received approval for a £13m shower refurbishment project, which is still at the design and survey stage.
Former inmates' accounts
Former inmates have expressed concern about the prison in recent days. Three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker, who was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in 2022 for hiding £2.5 million in assets, described his experience at Wandsworth. He said: "I was immediately confronted with a reality that I had no experience with. It was dangerous. I tried not to look anyone in the eye and stay in my corner."
He added: "Wandsworth is really big, really dirty, extremely dangerous, there are murderers, paedophiles, drug dealers, you meet everyone. It's about surviving. You go out of your cell and you need to save your skin, the guards won't do it for you."
Brand, 51, was remanded into custody at HMP Wandsworth on Thursday after his rape and sexual assault convictions, though he may be transferred to another prison following his sentencing on Monday. The prison opened in 1851.
