Russell Brand is expected to face a complex reception behind bars after being jailed for 10 years and six months, with one former prisoner warning that his celebrity status could invite both hero-worship and serious danger.
The 51-year-old was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault and will serve at least two-thirds of his sentence in prison. During sentencing, Mr Justice Joel Bennathan described the former Hollywood star as displaying a “casual, arrogant disregard for any woman’s right to say no”.
Mixed Reception Expected on the Wing
Brand is expected to serve his sentence, at least in the short term, at HMP Wandsworth. Rich Jones, a former British Army veteran who spent seven years in prison for conspiracy to supply cocaine, believes some inmates will treat Brand as a celebrity.
Jones, who served time at HMP Oakwood, HMP Bristol and Lowdham Grange, described Brand as one of the biggest celebrities in recent years to be imprisoned. He told the Daily Star: “If he’s got a few quid he could be open to blackmail, bullying, intimidation, extortion.”
However, Jones also predicted a degree of fascination: “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.”
Potential for Violence
Jones explained that the attention would stem from Brand’s fame rather than his offence: “I guess you could call it hero-worship, but a case like, ‘F***ing hell, it’s Russell Brand, he’s been on TV, this guy is different, let’s check him out, see what he’s really like.’ So you will get that.”
He added that “many people” would not be bothered by Brand at all, and predicted the former comedian and actor would eventually become “just another bloke walking around the wing”, which could leave him feeling “wounded”.
Speaking about the two mistakes Brand must avoid, Jones, now an author of The Lost Soldier Series, said: “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.”
Former Governor Voices Concerns
A similar warning came from Vanessa Frake, a former prison governor who oversaw inmates including Rose West and Myra Hindley. She said Brand’s safety could depend on how he conducts himself.
Speaking on the Break The Ice channel, she said: “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.”
Brand was supported at his sentencing at Southwark Crown Court by his wife, Laura Brand, and his father, Ron Brand, who told reporters after the hearing that his son was the real “victim”.
After the proceedings, the Metropolitan Police, which is investigating Brand over two more alleged rapes, encouraged any other victims to come forward. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy said: “If you come forward, you will be listened to, supported and treated with care and compassion.”
