Russell Brand cowering in his cell in fear and ‘praying for hours on end’ as nightmare first hours in jail are laid bare: report

Russell Brand reportedly spent his first 24 hours in jail “staying in his cell as much as he can.”

The disgraced actor, who was sentenced to a decade in prison Monday after being found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault, has been “trying not to show fear” during his time at London’s HMP Wandsworth, a source told the Daily Mail on Tuesday.

The comedian, 51, “got a couple of books from the library,” including “a Bible and some prayer books,” according to the outlet.

Russell Brand, pictured arriving at Southwark Crown Court in London on Oct. 16, has been “staying in his cell as much as he can. ZUMAPRESS.com
The disgraced comedian is currently doing time at the HMP Wandsworth in London, pictured in a file photo from 2008. Corbis via Getty Images

He has allegedly been “reading, meditating and praying for hours on end.”

The “Rock of Ages” star, per the insider, has “tried hard to maintain a dignified and calm manner, though being jailed for so long is obviously going to be causing him huge distress.”

Brand’s lawyer did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment.

The “Get Him to the Greek” star has reportedly been “reading, meditating and praying” behind bars. ZUMAPRESS.com
Brand, sketched above in the dock at Southwark Crown Court in London on Nov. 5, was remanded into custody last week after being convicted of rape and sexual assault. Elizabeth Cook/PA via AP

The “Get Him to the Greek” star was remanded into custody after his conviction Friday.

He will remain at HMP Wandsworth “for the next few weeks,” solicitor Kally Sahota told Page Six, but then will be transferred to a different prison based on “security, safety and rehabilitation needs.”

Brand’s current facility, which allegedly boasts “overcrowding … and under staffing” as its “biggest issues,” allows inmates “one hour out of their cell” each day, Sahota revealed.

Page Six hears Brand will be at the facility, pictured above on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026, for a few weeks. Getty Images
Brand will eventually be transferred out of the prison, pictured above on Wednesday, May 2, 2007. Corbis via Getty Images

He clarified that visitations take place two to three times a week in a large communal hall — and that conjugal visits are not permitted in London-based prisons.

HMP Wandsworth, notably, was described as “inhumane” in a 2024 report by Wandsworth’s Independent Monitoring Board.

An ex-con who served time there dubbed Brand a “dead man walking” as long as he remains at the institution.

Brand, pictured arriving at Southwark Crown Court in London on Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, was sentenced on Monday. ZUMAPRESS.com

“He’s in real trouble … until he’s got his permanent move,” the former prisoner told the Sun on Monday, calling the prison “violent, corrupt, dirty and noisy.”

“Brand will be a marked man while he is there and — if he is to stay safe — needs to move quickly,” the individual added.

The ex-“Russell Brand Show” host, according to the outlet, is in his own cell due to safety concerns.

He was sentenced to a decade behind bars. (Pictured above: HMP Wandsworth on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023.) Getty Images

He shared his fears of prison months before his conviction, telling wife Laura Gallacher on a podcast episode, “I don’t like things where it’s like, you might have to go to prison.”

She replied, “That’s the nature of what a trial is. … You will get through it. The presence of God is everywhere — in prison as well.”

Brand and Gallacher wed in 2017 and share three kids.

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-330-0226.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *