Russell Brand could build a religious following of younger inmates as he settles into prison life, a former inmate has claimed. Pete Bates, who spent more than 14 years behind bars for manslaughter, said the environment contains many “younger, impressionable” men searching for “someone to look up to”.
In that setting, somebody regarded as “charismatic and articulate” could quickly become “influential”, he added. Bates spoke after the comedian was jailed for 10-and-a-half years this week following convictions for three counts of sexual assault and one count of rape. Brand is being held at HMP Wandsworth, where he is reported to spend much of his time meditating and reading the Bible to avoid other inmates.
Adjustment challenges and protective custody
Bates outlined the difficulties Brand may face. He said: “My personal assessment is that he’ll have a particularly difficult time adjusting to prison life. I suspect he’ll spend a considerable amount of time in protective custody, away from the mainstream prison population.”
“There are still hierarchies, conflicts, intimidation and predatory behaviour within protected populations. And if he becomes a target there, the authorities may have very few options left other than separating him further from other prisoners.”
Risk of exploitation and potential influence
Bates, who was charged with murder at 19 in Queensland, Australia, and now teaches accountability and violence prevention, also warned of further dangers. He said: “I also believe he could be vulnerable to sexual exploitation or assault.”
“That is a genuine risk I would consider when assessing the vulnerability of a high-profile prisoner, particularly one with his notoriety. I’m not suggesting these things will definitely happen. I’m explaining the risks I believe he faces based on fourteen and a half years of experience inside Australian prisons.”
Bates set out how Brand might navigate his new environment, suggesting he could establish himself once more settled. He said: “My view is that he’ll spend his early years trying to find his feet, avoiding trouble and figuring out how to survive within the prison environment. Over time, things may change.”
“The headlines will eventually fade. His celebrity status may become less significant to the men around him, and he’ll gradually become another prisoner serving his sentence.”
“Once he’s established himself and understands the environment, that’s when I believe he may start using his personality, communication skills and religious beliefs to attract followers. Prisons contain plenty of younger, impressionable men searching for identity, belonging, direction and someone to look up to.”
“A charismatic and articulate person can become influential in that environment. So yes, I could see him potentially drawing younger prisoners towards his religious beliefs or developing something resembling a following.”
“Whether that becomes anything cult-like is another question entirely. But I certainly wouldn’t rule out him attempting to establish that kind of influence once he’s settled into prison life.”
After his own time in prison, Bates developed a programme called Pattern Before Behaviour through his organisation, the Pete Bates Project, which aims to help young men before destructive thinking turns into irreversible harm.
