Russell Brand, sentenced this week to 10 years and six months in prison for rape and sexual assault, must now navigate the dangers of life behind bars. Two former inmates have shared their advice on how the 51-year-old can best survive his time in custody, where he will serve at least two-thirds of his sentence.
Brand has been held at HMP Wandsworth since being found guilty of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others between 2004 and 2009. With his four-week trial concluded, he faces the next seven years incarcerated. Experts, including a former detective, have warned that fellow inmates are "intent on taking him out."
Former Inmates Offer Survival Advice
Rich Jones, a former British Army veteran who served seven years in prisons including HMP Oakwood and HMP Lowdham Grange for conspiracy to supply cocaine, spoke about what Brand should avoid. He 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."
Jones, author of The Lost Soldier series, stressed the importance of staying occupied and securing prison employment. He explained that prison staff identify inmates' talents, and Brand would likely be placed in education or work, possibly teaching English given his articulacy. However, he noted that such work pays just £10 for a 25-hour working week, which may bring the reality of his crimes home.
Threats and the Need for Work
Francesca Fattore, previously imprisoned at HMP Bronzefield for drug-related offences, cautioned that Brand's notoriety makes him vulnerable. She said: "I really really think, it's just my opinion, that something could happen to him bad because of the fact that everyone knows. It's all over the papers, it's gone viral and people doing life just don't care."
Fattore agreed that getting a job was crucial, suggesting Brand would be better off securing a cleaning role on his wing to avoid venturing to the main block where his safety would be more at risk. She advised him to avoid being too quiet or too loud, saying: "I think the best thing for him to do is not stay too quiet if that makes sense but not be as loud. He doesn't want to become really really in himself because I don't think that's going to do any favours. But he definitely is better off not being as loud and vocal as he is, not until he knows his surroundings, and he knows he is going to be safe."
Governor Warns of Arrogance
Former prison governor Vanessa Frake echoed the caution about Brand's behaviour, telling 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."
