Russell Brand was reportedly “petrified” during his first night behind bars following his rape conviction.
Brand, 51, was denied bail Thursday after a jury at Southwark Crown Court in London found him guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault, acquitting him of two additional rape charges and one charge of attempted indecent assault. The disgraced comedian and podcaster was immediately taken from court in a police van to begin what Justice Joel Bennathan warned will be a “significant” prison sentence.
Upon arrival, Brand was forced to hand over his clothes and undergo what was described as a “humiliating” strip search, according to a source who spoke on Friday. He was then issued standard prison clothing: gray jogging bottoms, T-shirts, sweatshirts and underwear.
Brand received a “first-night pack” containing basic toiletries including a toothbrush and toothpaste. The pack also included food items: cereal, tea, milk, sugar, juice sticks and digestive biscuits. He was additionally offered one toilet roll, a bible and a vape pack.
His first prison meal was described as an “inedible” microwave option, the source said. Brand was permitted one three-minute phone call, though it required approval from prison staff. His wife, Laura, had supported him throughout his four-week trial.
Before lights out, prison staff conducted a mental health evaluation to assess Brand’s “state of mind” and confirm he “was not a danger to himself,” according to the report. Guards are now monitoring him around the clock, and he has been prohibited from interacting with other inmates.
An insider indicated that Brand “will be relatively safe” in his current facility, though he is expected to be moved to a different prison following his sentencing on Monday.
The verdict came after Brand pleaded not guilty and denied all allegations, maintaining that his sexual encounters were consensual. During a 2023 police interview, he admitted he’s “led a very promiscuous life in the past” and has had “countless sexual encounters,” but insisted he’s “never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity.” He also labeled the allegations against him “defamatory and fictitious.”
The Metropolitan Police confirmed after Thursday’s conviction that Brand remains under investigation for two additional rape accusations. One of the accusers in those cases was allegedly 16 when she dated 30-year-old Brand. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy called Brand a “danger to women.”
Brand was formally charged last year for alleged incidents spanning from 1999 to 2005.
Brand is scheduled to be sentenced on Monday.