Russell Brand has been warned that his first month behind bars could be "ghastly", with a former prisoner describing the jail where he is being held as "hell on earth". The 51-year-old comedian was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison on Monday after being convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault a week earlier.
He is now being held at HMP Wandsworth in south London, where former inmates have described the difficult conditions he could face as he adjusts to prison life.
Former prisoner describes 'colossal' mental shock
Chris Atkins, who spent eight months at Wandsworth after being jailed for tax fraud, said the first few weeks would be particularly difficult for Brand. He told the BBC: "The first month is hands-down the worst. The mental shock is absolutely colossal. It was colossal for me and it's going to be 10 times worse for him because of the nature of his offences and the height from which he's fallen."
"He has to come to terms with it and the pure physical shock of suddenly being trapped in a dungeon for weeks on end with nobody to talk to most of the time is ghastly." Mr Atkins also described Wandsworth, one of England's largest Victorian-era prisons, as "hell on earth".
Brand reportedly moved to main wing
Despite the warning, a source close to Brand said he was doing "remarkably well considering the circumstances" and had already been moved from isolation to a main prison wing. His arrival has reportedly attracted plenty of attention from other inmates.
One member of staff told the BBC: "Prisons are boring and Russell Brand being in their space has given them some fun - they've been slamming on cell doors and shouting out his name. He is a rapist, so there's also been some anger about what he's done. We're very aware of that feeling," they said.
Cell conditions and daily routine
Brand is thought likely to have a cell to himself, which would usually contain a bed, toilet and basin. Depending on where he is being held, he could also have access to a television and kettle.
Like other new prisoners, he will have had his personal belongings taken away on arrival, including his mobile phone and clothes, before being given prison clothing. He will also have received a basic food pack containing items such as biscuits, cereal, milk and teabags to help him through his first days.
Brand, who has become known for his Christian faith in recent years, could attend Sunday services at the prison chapel or speak to a chaplain. However, keeping in touch with family and friends could prove difficult at first.
Visitor checks and possible transfer
Mr Atkins explained: "He won't have anyone set up on his visitor account - visitors need a series of checks. Phone numbers need to be approved. These checks are not quick and you need to know how to make these applications. There is often nobody there to tell you how this all works so you have to work it out." Mr Atkins claimed it took five weeks before he was able to see his young son while in prison.
Brand could eventually be moved to another prison with more modern facilities and a less restrictive regime.
