Russell Brand could be moved to HMP Wakefield, the high-security prison in West Yorkshire where disgraced Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins was killed last year, according to reports.
The 50-year-old comedian is currently held at HMP Wandsworth in London after being sentenced to 10 years and six months for rape and three counts of sexual assault. He is now being assessed for a transfer to the Category A prison, which holds some of the country's most dangerous offenders.
Assessment Underway for Transfer
A source told the Sun that Brand is being risk-assessed for a move to Wakefield, adding: "There are still some hoops to go through but staff at the prison are expecting him." The insider said the Yorkshire jail is regarded as a better place to protect notorious prisoners because of its staffing levels and resources.
The source added: "There are some really nasty killers and sex offenders there and Brand will have to be 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 be on a wing."
Violent History at the Prison
Last year, the prison was rocked by a series of violent incidents, including the fatal stabbing of Watkins in an early-morning cell ambush in October 2025. The former Lostprophets frontman was serving a 29-year sentence for child sex crimes when he was killed. Two inmates are due to stand trial for his murder next year.
Kyle Bevan, 37, who was jailed for murdering his baby stepson, was also murdered at the prison a month later. Three convicts were handed whole-life orders for his killing. The deaths came after an inspection report highlighted rising violence at the prison, which held 630 inmates at the time, including 148 of the most serious offenders. Around two-thirds of Wakefield prisoners have been convicted of sexual offences.
Sentencing and Conditions
Brand was told by Mr Justice Bennathan at Southwark Crown Court that he must serve two-thirds of his sentence — seven years — before becoming eligible for release on licence. The judge condemned the comedian's "staggering arrogance" and described him as a "sexual predator" who exploited his celebrity status to target fans.
At Wandsworth, Brand was visited by a prison chaplain, and bosses carried out a cell-sharing risk assessment and decided he should be held alone. His wife Laura Gallacher could face a 180-mile journey from the family's Oxfordshire home if he is transferred.
Other notorious inmates held at Wakefield include child killer Roy Whiting, serial rapist Reynhard Sinaga, and Jeremy Bamber, convicted of murdering five members of his family. The move could take place as early as next week.
