Russell Brand 'petrified' and hungry after inedible jail meal

Russell Brand faced a harrowing first night in custody, reportedly left "petrified" and hungry after being served an "inedible" microwave meal, according to the Mirror ^[1]. The 51-year-old was remanded at Southwark Crown Court following unanimous guilty verdicts for the rape of one woman and the sexual assault of three others. Sources suggest the former actor is being "watched around the clock" and isolated from other inmates to ensure his safety, as reported by the Daily Star ^[2].

The judge, Mr Justice Bennathan, cautioned Brand that he faced a "significant custodial sentence" and denied him the opportunity to say goodbye to his children, fearing he might flee before Monday's sentencing. Brand reportedly responded loudly, "yes My Lord," and later mouthed "I'm OK" to his legal team as he was escorted from the courtroom. During the verdict, he told his wife, Laura Gallacher, "Laura, I love you," before closing his eyes with little other visible reaction.

Upon arrival at the prison, Brand underwent a humiliating strip-search and scan, a process sources told The Sun via the Mirror ^[1] was a "massive shock to the system." He was provided with prison-issue clothes and a "first-night pack" containing basic toiletries, cereal, tea, milk, and sugar. He was also granted a single three-minute phone call, the recipient of which remains unknown.

The convictions stem from offences committed between 2004 and 2009, including the rape of a 21-year-old woman after a comedy performance at the Hammersmith Apollo. He was also found guilty of assaulting an MTV employee at a Soho bar, a woman at Choice FM studios, and a Channel 4 worker instructed to give him a massage. Brand was acquitted of three other charges, including an alleged rape at a Bournemouth hotel in 1999.

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who led the investigation, stated that Brand continues to pose a threat to women due to his "position of power and trust and millions of followers." Furphy confirmed the investigation remains live, urging any further victims to come forward, as noted by the Daily Star ^[2].

The trial has sparked calls for legal reform. Claire Waxman, the Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales, is demanding a legal duty for judges to direct juries on "rape myths" in every trial. She argued that expecting victims to scream or physically resist is an outdated assumption. Brand is due to be sentenced on Monday.