Russell Brand, sentenced to 10 and a half years for rape and sexual assault, is reportedly able to purchase items such as an Xbox, sweets, and cakes while held at HMP Wandsworth in London, according to a former inmate.
Prison described as 'like Sainsbury's'
An inmate named Daniel, released under the early release scheme this week, told The Sun: "It's like Sainsbury's in there if you've got the cash. He could buy a nice duvet or an XBOX."
Daniel added: "If you have £50 or £100 a week, you can get whatever you want. You can get sweets and cake… There are two sports halls with basketball, a football pitch and gym equipment."
Arrival and daily routine at HMP Wandsworth
Brand was medically examined and strip-searched before being locked in his cell. He was then served dinner and given a "first night pack" containing toiletries and snacks. His breakfast the following morning would have been cereal or porridge, fruit, and a cup of tea.
He has been in a one-man cell since Thursday, after he was convicted. On arrival, he was placed in the induction wing before being moved to the Care and Separation Unit (CSU), where high-risk inmates are housed. Prisoners in the CSU spend most of their time locked in their cells, with limited access to education and social interaction.
Segregation and security decisions
The CSU is located mostly below the ground floor in what is known as the "bowels" of the prison. An inmate can be in segregation for up to 72 hours initially, before a review board decides whether it should be extended.
It has not yet been decided whether Brand will remain in the protected unit, but guards have already deemed him too famous for the Vulnerable Prisoners' (VP) wing, where rapists and sex offenders are usually held. Brand was later spotted clutching his Bible as he made a rare appearance on his own in the exercise yard.
Conviction and sentencing
Brand, now 51, abused his celebrity status to prey on women and was convicted after a trial at Southwark Crown Court of abuse against four victims. On Monday, Mr Justice Bennathan slammed Brand's "staggering arrogance" as he sentenced him to 10-and-a-half years in prison for rape and three counts of sexual assault.
The judge said Brand harboured a "casual arrogant disregard to any woman's right to say no to you", while his fame meant he believed "you could act when you liked and how you liked". The judge also said the evidence showed that Brand's entourage during his celebrity heyday had "indulged your dreadful behaviour".
