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It is going to be a long, cold, lonely stretch behind bars for Russell Brand. The comedian will be serving a lengthy prison term at HMP Wandsworth in South London after he was found guilty of offenses against four women, with the presiding judge calling him a “predator” during sentencing. His life behind bars will be much different from the life he was accustomed to on the outside, and that will include a lack of private time with his wife, Laura Brand. Conjugal visits are off the table.

Intimacy isn’t allowed in British prisons

Russell Brand will spend his years in prison without a minute of private time with his wife, Laura Brand. That’s not a Russell-specific denial, though. According to several sources, British prisons do not permit intimate visits for inmates, regardless of their crimes, sentences, and behavior inside prison walls.

Inmates can receive ordinary family visits, reportedly two or three times a week and lasting between one and two and a half hours, but physical contact during those visits is restricted. Prisoners can also phone approved contacts if they have the credit and permission to do so.

Life at Wandsworth is tough. The facility has struggled with overcrowding and staffing shortages, and Page Six reports that prisoners may spend as little as one hour a day outside their cells. Brand’s fame has also reportedly raised safety concerns, with sources saying officials have taken steps to limit his exposure to potential threats. He could be transferred to another prison in the coming weeks, depending on security, safety, and rehabilitation needs.

Laura Brand remains committed

Despite the years-long dry spell the couple will need to endure, and Russell’s conviction, Laura Brand remains committed to her marriage. She was on hand during the trial and when Russell was sentenced. She was the only character witness to testify in his defense.

At sentencing, TMZ reported that Laura appeared visibly anxious, taking deep breaths while holding hands with two women seated beside her. As Brand entered the courtroom, he reportedly turned and asked, “Are you OK?” She later left the courthouse in sunglasses, keeping her head down to avoid photographers.

A family friend claimed her relatives worry about her devotion and suggested his imprisonment could lead her to reassess the relationship. She has given no public sign that she plans to leave.

Russell Brand’s conviction explained

A London jury found Russell Brand guilty on four counts involving four women after a four-week trial, with the offenses dating from 2004 to 2009. He was acquitted on three other counts. The comedian will have to serve two-thirds of his sentence before he can be released on license. He will need to serve at least seven years behind bars.

Brand has maintained that the encounters were consensual, and his legal team has reportedly considered challenging the verdict. Meanwhile, London’s Metropolitan Police are assessing further reports about the star that emerged after his conviction. Additional charges could still be filed.

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