Russell Brand has woken to his first full day behind bars after being handed a ten-year and six-month prison sentence for one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. The convicted abuser will serve a minimum of two-thirds of his sentence before being considered for release.
During sentencing at Southwark Crown Court, Mr Justice Joel Bennathan remarked that the former Hollywood star demonstrated a "casual, arrogant disregard for any woman's right to say no".
Reactions from former inmates
Brand is expected to begin his sentence at HMP Wandsworth, at least initially. One former inmate, Rich Jones, believes the comedian will be "hero-worshipped" by certain prisoners. Jones, a former British Army veteran who spent time at HMP Oakwood, HMP Bristol and Lowdham Grange during his seven-year sentence for conspiracy to supply cocaine, described Brand as one of the most high-profile celebrities in recent memory to be locked up.
Jones said: "If he's got a few quid he could be open to blackmail, bullying, intimidation, extortion." He added: "He will be an interesting character on the wing. A lot of sex offenders are fairly controlling and arrogant as well. He does maybe fit that bill slightly. So I think a lot of people will suck up to him just because he is famous."
Jones explained that prisoners most likely to seek his friendship would be those who connected with him during his television heyday, though he noted that "many people" would remain completely indifferent. He predicted that Brand would ultimately become "just another bloke walking around the wing" and that such a reality could leave the former comedian and actor feeling "wounded".
Warnings about behaviour behind bars
Addressing the pitfalls Brand must steer clear of, Jones, now an author of The Lost Soldier Series, warned: "I give him a few months, he will settle into life and he will just be another person on the wing. Nobody special, but if he tries to be outspoken, or articulate in there, he may just get chinned."
Vanessa Frake, a former prison governor who had overseen the likes of Rose West and Myra Hindley, echoed a similar caution. She stated 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."
Support and ongoing police investigation
Brand received support at the sentencing hearing from his wife, Laura Brand, and his father, Ron Brand, who informed journalists following the proceedings that his son was the true "victim".
Following the hearing, the Metropolitan Police, which is examining Brand regarding two additional alleged rapes, urged any further victims to step forward. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy stated: "If you come forward, you will be listened to, supported and treated with care and compassion."
