Russell Brand is serving a 10-year and six-month prison sentence after being convicted of rape and sexual assault, and a former inmate has warned he will face “hell on earth” at HMP Wandsworth. The 51-year-old was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault a week ago, before being sentenced on Monday. He is being held at the South London prison. A former prisoner, who served eight months at HMP Wandsworth for tax fraud, said the first month is the worst. He described the mental shock as “absolutely colossal” and said newcomers can be trapped in a cell with little to do and “nobody to talk to most of the time”. The former media personality and comedian is expected to be kept in a cell on his own. On arrival, his possessions were confiscated, including his mobile phone, clothing and other valuables. He has been issued a grey prison tracksuit and given a “night pack” with items such as biscuits, teabags, small amounts of cereal, sugar and a carton of milk, used to tide inmates over until they can buy from the prison shop. Inmates also discussed what life could look like for him day to day. People told the BBC that Brand could register for Sunday service in the prison chapel, with some suggesting many sign up simply to get out of their cell. However, the same former prisoners said the paperwork needed for basic access, including phone calls and visitor requests, can take weeks because checks and approvals have to be completed. The BBC also reported that inmates had “much excitement” about Brand’s arrival, with some slamming on cell doors and shouting his name. Another prison governor said the publicity around a trial can make an offender a target for an “inmates’ own justice system”, especially in cases involving sex crimes. Brand is in custody at HMP Wandsworth after sentencing. Under release guidelines, offenders jailed for four years or more for serious violent or sexual offences are typically released at the two-thirds point, which for his sentence would be after seven years.