Laura Brand has made the first of several visits to her husband, convicted rapist Russell Brand, at HMP Wandsworth. The 39-year-old, who shares three children with the disgraced comedian, intends to stand by him throughout his 10-and-a-half-year sentence for rape and sexual assaults.
Notorious Victorian Prison
Wandsworth is one of the largest and most notorious prisons in the UK, located in south west London. The institution holds between 1,300 and 1,500 prisoners and first opened in 1851. Insiders describe Brand as a "marked man," warning of the "welcoming" that awaits celebrities from fellow inmates.
To book a visit, Laura must have Brand's prison number and date of birth, either through a government website or by calling the prison directly. The Prison Reform Trust advises family and friends to arrive early due to security checks and to bring photographic identification.
Visit Rules and Restrictions
Laura will be allowed to carry money to buy food and drink from the prison shop for herself and Brand, subject to a maximum amount. She cannot hand items directly to him; anything she wishes to pass on must be arranged by calling the prison in advance.
During the visit, Laura must remain seated but is permitted to hug Brand at the beginning and end. Officers will be present and may hear their conversation. The visit can be cut short if rules are broken or if she is considered a security threat or a concern to other visitors.
Poor Conditions at the Prison
The prison holding Brand has been plagued by rats, overcrowded cells, and problems with heating and hot water, according to a damning inspection report. Inspectors raised serious concerns about conditions at the Category B men's prison following visits in April and May 2024, issuing an immediate action plan to address standards at the jail, which houses more than 1,500 inmates.
The report, seen by the Mirror, described living conditions as poor, with widespread overcrowding and dirty accommodation. It stated: "Overall living conditions were poor. Levels of overcrowding were high, with 80 per cent of prisoners sharing cells designed for one. The prison was dirty. Many showers were in poor condition across the prison, and some should have been decommissioned. There were frequent issues with heating and hot water."
The report added: "Numerous cells had damaged furniture, flooring, windows or sinks. Many observation panels were blocked or smashed. Vermin remained a problem in the prison. Recent intensive work with an outside provider had seen some improvement, but prisoners told us that rodents were still seen frequently, and we found evidence of rat droppings across residential units."
