Russell Brand has reportedly been left frightened after spending his first night in prison following his conviction for rape and three counts of sexual assault.
The 51-year-old comedian and former Hollywood actor is being held in a south London prison ahead of his sentencing on Monday.
He was transferred to the facility after being convicted at Southwark Crown Court following a four-week trial.
Brand was reportedly strip-searched, medically examined and subjected to security checks before being placed in a cell in the prison’s induction wing.
Comedian Previously Admitted Fears of Going to Prison
Brand had expressed concerns about the possibility of imprisonment during an episode of his home-recorded Sunday Service programme with his wife, Laura Gallacher, recorded on October 11, a day before jury selection began.
During the recording, Gallacher read a supportive message telling Brand that God would be with him in prison and that he would get through the experience.
Brand interrupted her to acknowledge his fears, saying: “I don’t like things where it’s like you might have to go to prison.”
Gallacher responded that imprisonment was one of the possible outcomes of standing trial.
The couple continued recording their programme throughout the proceedings, discussing their Christian faith, reading Bible passages and praying together.
Brand had also previously told broadcaster Piers Morgan that he would remain with God wherever he ended up when asked whether he had considered the possibility of going to prison.
Prison Officials Conduct Health and Security Assessments
Brand arrived at the prison at approximately 6pm after being transported from the court building in a secure prison van.
On arrival, he underwent identity verification, fingerprinting, photography and a medical assessment.
Officers also asked him about any medication he was taking and conducted assessments covering substance misuse and the risk of suicide or self-harm.
His personal belongings were removed and recorded, including his mobile phone, crucifix and rosary beads.
The entertainer’s grey and black pinstripe suit, waistcoat, silk cravat and cowboy-style boots were replaced with standard prison clothing, including grey tracksuit bottoms, T-shirts and sweatshirts.
He was permitted to retain his Bible.
Brand Receives First-Night Prison Supplies
After completing the reception process, Brand was reportedly placed in a holding cell with other new arrivals while arrangements were made for his accommodation.
As he arrived after the evening meal, he was provided with a basic packed meal and a first-night pack containing toiletries and food supplies.
The provisions included a toothbrush, toothpaste, cereal, tea, milk, sugar, juice sticks, Polos and digestive biscuits. He was also given toilet paper and prison-issued clothing.
His cell measures approximately 9.8ft by 6.7ft and contains a fixed concrete bed base with a thin mattress, a stainless-steel toilet and wash basin, and a bolted-down table and stool.
He was served breakfast the following morning, reportedly consisting of cereal or porridge, fruit and tea.
Celebrity Status Raises Prison Security Concerns
Prison officials are understood to be taking additional precautions because of Brand’s public profile and the nature of his convictions.
He is reportedly being monitored around the clock and prevented from mixing freely with other prisoners while his security arrangements are assessed.
Staff also conducted regular checks throughout the night in accordance with standard prison procedures.
Brand was allowed one telephone call lasting approximately three minutes, believed to have been made to his wife.
However, he is expected to have no further access to the telephone for a week while his approved contact numbers and personal identification PIN are arranged.
His access to social media, mobile phones and laptops has also ended following his imprisonment.
Wife Laura Gallacher Left Court in Tears
Brand’s wife, Laura Gallacher, was visibly distressed when the guilty verdicts were delivered at Southwark Crown Court.
She had attended the proceedings alongside her husband on almost every day of the trial.
Brand’s legal team had requested permission for him to say goodbye to Gallacher and their three children before being taken into custody. However, the request was refused.
Following the verdicts, Brand was escorted from the courtroom by security personnel and taken to a holding cell beneath the court, where he remained for approximately two hours before prison officers collected him.
Gallacher watched from the public gallery as her husband was taken away.
Jury Convicts Brand of Four Sexual Offences
Brand was found guilty of raping a 21-year-old woman who had attended his stand-up performance at the Hammersmith Apollo in 2009.
He was also convicted of sexually assaulting an MTV worker at a Soho bar in 2004, a Capital Radio employee in 2005 and a Channel 4 worker in 2009.
However, the jury cleared him of two rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault.
The allegations against Brand covered a period between 1999 and 2009 and included claims of unwanted touching and forced sexual activity.
The comedian had previously been on bail throughout the proceedings.
Brand Faces Significant Prison Sentence
Mr Justice Bentham told Brand that his convictions, including the rape offence, meant he would inevitably receive a significant custodial sentence.
Rape carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, while sexual assault carries a maximum penalty of 10 years for each offence.
Brand will remain in custody until Monday, when he is due to return to court for sentencing.
His legal representatives are reportedly considering possible grounds for an appeal, including whether he received a fair trial.
The comedian is said to have spent approximately £5 million on his legal defence and is awaiting the sentencing decision before determining his next steps.
Lawyers Reportedly Consider Possible Prison Transfer
Brand is believed to have been taken to either HMP Wandsworth or HMP Belmarsh in London following his conviction.
His legal team are also reportedly considering whether to request a transfer to another prison, with HMP Huntercombe mentioned as a possible option.
The facility is close to Brand’s former residence but is designated exclusively for adult male foreign national offenders.
Brand previously lived in a £6 million, six-bedroom riverside property in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire.
He will remain in his current prison until his scheduled court appearance on Monday, when the judge will determine his sentence.
