Russell Brand moved to prison with surprising perks after rape conviction

Russell Brand has been moved to a lower-security prison offering yoga, sports facilities and recreational activities

Comedian Russell Brand has reportedly been transferred to a lower-security prison in Cambridgeshire, days after receiving a 10-year-and-six-month sentence for rape and sexual assault.

According to The Sun, Brand was moved from HMP Wandsworth in London to HMP Littlehey on Friday, November 13. The new facility offers several recreational activities and amenities, including yoga sessions, origami, indoor lawn bowling and an astroturf football field.

The prison also has two sports halls, a choir, a football league and single-occupancy cells. Inmates are reportedly able to participate in various organised activities as part of the facility's recreational programme.

The transfer comes shortly after Brand was sentenced following his conviction on one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. The comedian has maintained that he did not commit any criminal wrongdoing.

Brand's previous prison, HMP Wandsworth, reportedly did not permit conjugal visits. His new facility, HMP Littlehey, allows weekly visits but does not offer conjugal visitation privileges.

The transfer has drawn attention because of the difference in facilities available at the two prisons, although the move does not change Brand's sentence or convictions.

HMP Littlehey is a Category C men's prison located in Cambridgeshire, England. Such facilities accommodate prisoners who do not require maximum-security conditions but are not suitable for open prisons.

Brand's conviction and subsequent prison sentence follow a criminal case involving allegations of rape and sexual assault. He has continued to deny wrongdoing despite the verdict.

The comedian's transfer marks a change in his prison placement as he begins serving his sentence.