What life will be like in prison for Russell Brand

As the white prison van steered out of Southwark Crown Court on Monday afternoon, inside, its passenger Russell Brand will have sat inside the plastic cell maybe reflecting on his dramatic downfall.

From his quick rise in the celebrity world to unproclaimed fame, the 51-year-old now faces a 10-and-a-half-year prison sentence after being found guilty of raping one of his fans and sexually assaulting three women.

As he was driven away to an unknown holding prison, he will have heard the members of the public banging on the van as photographers tried desperately to get pictures inside.

Now, after years of comfort and luxury, Brand must face up to his life changing drastically, as he is expected to serve at least two-thirds of his sentence.

While he’s spent the past four days at HMP Wandsworth, it remains clear where he will be eventually located. But here is what The Independent understands his life in prison will be like.

Inside the first 12 hours

It is likely Brand will be placed in a holding cell upon arrival at prison, where officers will start to process him - and any other prisoners - into the system.

Officers will then take him to a small area for a thorough search - potentially including a strip search - after which he will sit in a “body orifice security scanner” chair to check if he’s concealed any phone or electrical equipment, according to DoingTime, a volunteer group dedicated to reporting the facts on the reality of the British penal system.

Afterwards, Brand will likely be asked a series of questions and put into another holding cell, from where he’ll be taken to see the reception medical team to make sure he’s okay overnight.

His photo will be taken, and he will receive an ID card, which he will be expected to carry at all times. After this, he will see a senior officer who will ask questions to assess any suicide risks.

Typically, prisoners are given three to four sets of socks and underwear, as well as some jogging bottoms, tops and t-shirts - a far cry from the flamboyant outfits Brand has been known for. According to DoingTime, these clothes are exchanged on a one-for-one basis each week. Families usually send clothes in for prisoners.

At some point during this process, Brand will be afforded a two-minute conversation with a loved one. If the call goes to voicemail, this will still count.

Brand will then be sent to his cell.

What happens when prison cell doors close?

Those who have been to prison often say the first night is long. Cell doors often lock around 6pm and remain that way until around 8 am. Once locked, it’s hard to speak to an officer unless there is a genuine emergency, according to DoingTime, but cells do have a call button.

It is possible Brand may have to share a cell with an inmate. According to the Prison Reform Trust, all cells must be of adequate size for the maximum number of prisoners it’s meant to hold. They must also have “adequate” lighting, heating, ventilation, and fittings, with 24-hour access to water and sanitation.

As part of his cell, Brand will be afforded a bed and mattress with one pillow, a medication locker, a toilet brush, toilet paper, privacy curtains, window curtains, and a noticeboard. The cell will be fitted with a mirror, kettle, television, telephone, waste bin, as well as a bowl, mug, plate and cutlery, with a set of basic toiletries.

When will he be able to take visitors?

Brand’s wife Laura Gallacher has been a constant fixture during the four-week trial. She will now have to wait every four weeks to visit him with their three children.

A convicted prisoner is usually allowed at least two one-hour visits every four weeks, according to the Ministry of Justice, with each prison varying in their family visit policies.

Will he do any work in prison?

Brand will be able to keep busy during his prison sentence, as prisoners are expected to do their part on the wing. Prisoners are allocated jobs like wing cleaner, library orderly, or kitchen work.

Some prisoners are also able to take on workshop jobs to earn qualifications, such as making windows, mailing magazines or packing plumbing parts.