Inside Russell Brand’s prison ‘hell’ - ‘barely eating’, ‘monitored 24/7’ and ‘no1 target’

Detailed summary

Prison insiders claim Russell Brand is struggling to adjust to life behind bars as staff closely monitor his welfare.

Russell Brand is reportedly struggling to adjust to life behind bars, with prison staff said to be monitoring him around the clock amid concerns for his welfare. The disgraced comedian, 51, was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison on Monday (November 9) after being convicted of rape and sexual assault. According to the Daily Star, prison insiders claim Brand has been "barely eating" since his arrival at HMP Wandsworth, where officials are understood to be taking extra precautions to ensure his safety. One insider told the publication: "He's not been in trouble before really. It is sure to be terrifying and a complete shock to the system.

"He's barely eating. I think it has all hit him all at once that he has not gotten away with it. Regardless of the crime or the opinions of those who work there, the prison service has a duty of care to Brand, and they must keep him safe as much as they can."

The source explained that the period immediately following a lengthy prison sentence can be particularly concerning for staff, who closely monitor new arrivals for signs of distress.

They added: "They are watching him like a hawk, with pretty much 24/7 hour care at the moment. They will not want anything to happen to him, and it is likely that support will be given to ensure he is not starting to feel too low.

"No chances are being taken. As well as it being a long sentence, it is also a very high profile case. If he hasn't already, he will also be seen within the first week by mental health professionals to make sure he is not a risk to himself or others."

Meanwhile, former prisoner and prison adviser Chris Atkins has described HMP Wandsworth as "a form of hell", warning that Brand's celebrity status could make him a target for fellow inmates.

Speaking to the Mirror, Atkins said: "He will be seen as a target because he's a name or they will say they will look after him if his family pays their family and if he doesn't he will have an accident."

The insider also warned that…

Opening of the article, excerpted from Daily Express. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.