Russell Brand has begun a 10-year and six-month prison sentence at HMP Wandsworth after being found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. The former actor and comedian must serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before being considered for release.
During sentencing at Southwark Crown Court, Mr Justice Joel Bennathan condemned Brand for displaying a "casual, arrogant disregard for any woman's right to say no". Brand was accompanied by his wife, Laura Brand, and his father, Ron Brand, who told journalists that his son was the real "victim".
Fame Behind Bars
Rich Jones, a former British Army veteran who served a seven-year sentence for conspiracy to supply cocaine, said Brand is one of the most high-profile celebrities in recent memory to be imprisoned. Jones, who served time across HMP Oakwood, HMP Bristol and Lowdham Grange, predicted that some prisoners would "hero-worship" the 51-year-old.
"If he's got a few quid he could be open to blackmail, bullying, intimidation, extortion," Jones said. He added that a lot of sex offenders are "fairly controlling and arrogant", and that Brand "does maybe fit that bill slightly". Jones explained that the interest would stem from Brand's fame rather than his offence: "I don't think it will be so much because of his offence, just that he's a very famous individual, that's been quite big on the TV over the past 20 years."
Jones said the prisoners most likely to seek out Brand's company would be those who were fans during his television heyday, though "many people" would be entirely indifferent to his presence. He predicted that Brand would ultimately become "just another bloke walking around the wing", a reality check that could leave him feeling "wounded".
Warnings From Former Officials
Jones warned of two pitfalls Brand must avoid: "If he tries to be outspoken, or articulate in there, he may just get chinned." Vanessa Frake, a former prison governor who was responsible for high-profile inmates including Rose West and Myra Hindley, echoed the concern on the Break The Ice channel: "If he goes in with the arrogant, you know, I am the Messiah as he walked into court, then yeah, quite honestly. There'll be people who are doing whole life orders - they've got nothing to lose. And as much as you say you want to keep him safe, you can't be there 24/7."
Following the hearing, the Metropolitan Police, which is examining Brand in connection with two additional alleged rapes, urged any further victims to come forward. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy said: "If you come forward, you will be listened to, supported and treated with care and compassion."
