Ex-prisoner warned Russell Brand could be a marked man inside current prison amid safety fears

Warning from former inmate

A former HMP Wandsworth inmate, released last year, told the Sun that Brand could be in serious danger if he remains at the prison. He called Brand a “marked man” and said he needed to make it safely to a permanent transfer.

The former prisoner described the facility as violent, corrupt, dirty and noisy. He also alleged that staff paid prisoners to attack other inmates and that fights happened regularly.

Conditions at Wandsworth

Official watchdog reports obtained by Page Six describe overcrowding, vermin and violence at HMP Wandsworth. The prison holds 1,457 inmates, although its certified normal accommodation is 894.

Advice and reported taunts

Sahota said inmates at Wandsworth are allowed one hour outside their cells. He identified overcrowding and understaffing as the prison’s biggest problems, alongside reported violence, drugs and vermin.

Sahota advised Brand to keep his head down, observe how things work and be cautious about offers of help. The Daily Mail reported that inmates had taunted Brand with an abusive chant; the account was attributed to the outlet.