Russell Brand, found guilty of rape and sexual assault on Thursday, could be housed at HMP Whatton in Nottinghamshire, the largest sex offender prison in Europe, after his sentencing on Monday.
The convicted comedian will learn his fate on Monday, when a judge will determine where he will begin his life behind bars. Prison insiders have suggested he could end up at the Category C jail, which has a capacity of 836 and a population made up of around 70% child sex offenders.
Initial Security and Category A Placement
According to a prison insider, Brand will almost definitely start his prison journey at a category A lock-up, such as Belmarsh, and may have to stay there for quite a while because of who he is. Category A means the highest level of security, and the insider noted that Belmarsh houses not only the most dangerous prisoners but also the most high-profile ones.
The insider said: "Typically in most cases rapists are not seen as dangerous inside and needing constant supervision, unless it is a case of serial rapes, or violence, but in most clear cut cases - or historical ones, like this, he wouldn't necessarily be seen as a dangerous offender."
"Although he will almost definitely start his prison journey at a category A lock up, like Belmarsh, and may even have to stay there for quite a while because of who he is. They don't only house the most dangerous prisoners, but the most high profile too - and given who he is, and how famous he is, it is likely he will end up there for at least a while."
Potential Move to HMP Whatton
In time, Brand may move to a specialised jail, such as HMP Whatton in Nottingham, the largest sex offender prison in Europe. The prison features a multimedia studio where prisoners can produce and broadcast their own content, including a scheme that allows inmates to record bedtime stories for their children or relatives, which are edited with music and sound effects before being sent out to families.
The prison also runs its own internal radio and television station, Whatton Earth Radio, where prisoners with "protected characteristics" - including those relating to race, religion or gender identity - can create and share podcasts.
The insider added: "He would only be allowed to go here after a while and absolutely not if other victims come forward. He could be facing a very long spell behind some pretty awful bars."
Police Response and Potential Further Victims
Det Supt Andy Furphy, from the Metropolitan Police, said he hoped other women would gain "courage" and "confidence" from the verdicts. Speaking to BBC Breakfast on Friday, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley confirmed the police were investigating the two cases and added: "I clearly wouldn't be surprised if many more came forward."
"I think it's likely - potentially - that other women will come forward," he said. "They'll probably gain some courage and some confidence from what's happened in the courtroom over the last few weeks."
He credited the women for their bravery during what has been at times a "deeply uncomfortable" process, saying: "They are courageous, determined women and our focus has always been on them, not Russell Brand."
