Convicted rapist Russell Brand has reportedly already received abuse from other inmates at HMP Wandsworth, where he is serving a 10-and-a-half-year sentence.
Brand, 51, was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault committed between 2004 and 2009. A further eight women have since come forward to accuse him of sexual abuse and predatory behaviour. He has always denied any wrongdoing, insisting his sexual relationships were 'consensual'.
Initial days in prison
According to a prison source quoted by the Daily Mail, Brand arrived at HMP Wandsworth 'came floating in almost as though he was the Messiah'. The source described 'this air of superiority about him', but said it was 'immediately' clear he was putting on 'an act'.
'He was incredibly pale, almost as though he was going to be sick,' the source said. 'Whatever confidence he was trying to project, you could see the fear beneath it.'
Brand was then 'marched into his cell', looking 'horrified' by his new lodgings. 'It was as though the reality of what had happened had finally sunk in,' said the informant, who also claimed Brand asked whether he could have privacy when using the toilet.
Abuse from other prisoners
Other prisoners have given Brand anything but a warm welcome, with one individual reportedly shouting at him: 'You're not a superstar in here, Brand. You're just another nonce.'
It is thought that Brand has been advised to cut his long, unkempt hair and trim his beard so he is less 'conspicuous'. He is considered arguably the most notable prisoner in the country, putting him in 'the worst position' possible to start a long stint behind bars.
He has been warned to 'be careful' of how he behaves, as belittling anyone or trying to be 'too clever' could result in a battering. The Mail's prison source claimed Brand 'could simply get a beating' for being who he is. 'His fame makes him a target, and there will be prisoners who would love nothing more than to make a name for themselves by attacking him.'
Sentencing and family
When sentencing Brand at Southwark Crown Court, Mr Justice Bennathan criticised the disgraced star's 'staggering arrogance' and said his status 'protected him' from repercussions during his celebrity heyday.
Brand's wife, Laura, whom he wed in 2017, has reportedly already visited him. The 39-year-old, who has three children with him – aged 10, eight, and three – stood by Brand throughout his trial and attended his sentencing. She is expected to remain in the UK rather than return to the US.
Potential transfer
Brand may not serve his full sentence at HMP Wandsworth, as he is reportedly set for a move to HMP Wakefield within the next few 'days or weeks'. Wakefield is a Category A jail in West Yorkshire, where convicted paedophile and Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins was murdered when he was stabbed in his cell in May.
Sources told The Sun that staff are 'expecting him' following a risk assessment, and the prison is 'deemed a safer place' on the whole for Brand, as it will be better equipped to ensure his protection.
