Russell Brand monitored over fears he’ll begin his personal ‘Christian cult’ behind bars
Prison chiefs are said to be keeping a “close eye” on Russell Brand over fears he could start a Christian cult behind bars. The ex comedian was jailed on Monday (November 9) for rape and sexual assault.
Insiders say there are growing concerns that Brand could persist with his preaching behind bars as he continues to maintain his innocence.
The 51-year-old is now beginning a 10 and a half year stretch after he was found guilty of charges of rape and sexual assault following an eight week trial.
A prison insider said: “There is not a lot of empathy towards his victims, he still maintains he is innocent.
“He still will say to anyone who will listen that he believes it is the system against him, a mockery of the justice system and believes he has been stitched up by higher powers.
“It’s clear he still has zero remorse for his actions against his victims and believes it is all a ploy against him.
He is behind bars at HMP Wandsworth(Image: Corbis via Getty Images)
“Despite the horror evidence heard against him, he still maintains evil forces are up against him and that’s why he is behind bars.”
It is believed that Brand is currently on his own in a cell after a Cell-Sharing Risk Assessment (CSRA) was carried out but this will not be a long term plan.
He is understood to be locked up in a single cell on C-wing, where many prisoners are considered vulnerable.
“It is not a nicer part,” the insider continued. “But it is probably being seen as an acclimatisation period for him. He won’t be staying there indefinitely, and then things will certainly change.
“He will be housed with others and that is when they worry he will start to lull in other prisoners.
Brand was delivered to HMP Wandsworth on Monday(Image: James Manning/Press Association)
“he is a high profile celebrity inmate, that brings its own set of challenges but also others many want to find him, and we have all heard his preaching outside of prison walls. It is likely that will continue.”
It is claimed Brand has already been visited by the prison chaplain and made it clear he will be continue to follow his newly found faith while serving time.
“People cope in all sorts of ways behind bars,” the insider continued. “And a lot of time that turns to religion. But extremist views are kept a very close eye on.”
As a born-again Christian, it is expected Brand will take part in HMP Wandsworth’s Bible group classes, with him also in the past taking a public interest in Buddhism and Hinduism.
Brand is a born-again Christian, and clutched rosary beads during his final court appearance and was baptised in the River Thames(Image: INSTAGRAM)
“It may be a way for him to rebuild himself, and stay in the public limelight,” the insider continued.
“It is something that is already being discussed. Inmates who try to preach too much or indoctrinate others into their way of thinking are always regarded as a potential security risk, it makes no difference as to what the religion or following actually is.”
Other criminal celebrities behind bars have also found ways of building friends inside prison.
Rolf Harris, worked in the garden at HMP Bullingdon and used to do sketches of other inmates while Max Clifford, a PR guru who was jailed for eight years at HMP Littlehey on indecent assault charges, helped other inmates with legal letters.
