Russell Brand, the disgraced comedian and actor jailed for 10-and-a-half years for rape and sexual assault, has been transferred from an isolated wing to a main wing at HMP Wandsworth, according to a source. A member of staff at the South London prison reported 'much excitement' among inmates about his presence, alongside 'some anger'.
Brand, 51, was sentenced this week after being found guilty of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others during his career. He is being held at HMP Wandsworth, where he was also kept between his conviction and sentencing. A source told the BBC he was 'remarkably well considering the circumstances' following his arrival.
Mixed Reactions Among Inmates
A staff member at Wandsworth described the atmosphere, saying: "Prisons are boring and Russell Brand being in their space has given them some fun - they've been slamming on cell doors and shouting out his name. He is a rapist, so there's also been some anger about what he's done."
Brand is expected to serve two thirds of his sentence before being released on licence and will remain on the sex offenders' register for life.
Judge's Condemnation at Sentencing
During sentencing on Monday, Mr Justice Bennathan condemned Brand's 'staggering arrogance'. The judge addressed him directly: "About 20 years ago Russell Brand, you were becoming famous, you were clever, and in many people's eyes you were funny and charismatic... You had also become a sexual predator."
The judge noted that Brand's 'status protected you' until 2023, when journalists from the Sunday Times, The Times, and Channel 4 Dispatches exposed a catalogue of sexual misconduct, prompting women to bring complaints to police. He added that Brand displayed a 'casual arrogant disregard to any woman's right to say no to you', while his celebrity status led him to believe "you could act when you liked and how you liked".
Further Allegations and Political Response
Brand has also been accused of sexual misconduct and predatory behaviour by a further six women, according to a report. The Times and The Sunday Times claimed the comedian had sex with a woman without her consent and later apologised, and continued having sex with another woman after she asked him to stop because he was hurting her.
The new allegations emerged as Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the media industry needs to 'look at itself' and 'step forward' to protect women and girls following Brand's rape conviction and allegations of sexual misconduct made against comedian David Walliams.
