Russell Model faces a grim actuality behind the bars of one among London’s most troubled prisons.
The ‘Take Him to the Greek’ actor, 51, is being held at HMP Wandsworth following his conviction for rape and three counts of sexual assault. Inside, he faces a facility stricken by overcrowding, vermin and violence, in accordance with official experiences from the watchdog.
The Victorian jail is working at 163 per cent of regular capability, in comparison with the nationwide common of 107 per cent, in accordance with the Howard League for Penal Reform.
Wandsworth has 1,457 prisoners though it has solely licensed regular lodging for 894.
A 2024 report by the Wandsworth Impartial Monitoring Committee painted a very grim image of life behind bars, describing circumstances inside as “inhumane” and warning of significant dangers attributable to overcrowding.
The report stated two males had been recurrently required to share single-occupancy cells, with some described as “cramped, squalid and with damaged or lacking home windows, furnishings and fixtures.”
Fundamental requirements had been additionally briefly provide, with detainees typically going two or three weeks and not using a full change of garments. Showers had been described as damp, unsanitary and in inadequate numbers, whereas poor air flow allowed mould to return even after renovation.
The report additionally discovered that crumbling flooring allowed vermin entry, heating was intermittent as a consequence of steadily malfunctioning boilers, and cell temperatures in summer season steadily exceeded 95 levels Fahrenheit.
Prisoners had been typically locked of their cells for as much as 22 hours a day, with workers shortages typically stopping them from doing even fundamental outside train.
Violence was one other main concern.
Through the 2023-2024 reporting interval, there have been 442 assaults between inmates and 518 towards workers. The jail additionally recorded 998 incidents of self-harm involving 302 males.
There have been additionally 10 deaths through the reporting interval, six of which had been described as “apparently self-inflicted.”
The report additional notes that greater than half of the inmates surveyed discovered it straightforward to acquire illicit medication, whereas the scent of hashish was described as pervasive all through the ability.
The jail recorded 344 drug discoveries in addition to 115 alcohol discoveries through the reporting interval.
If Model’s household go to her behind bars, they are going to be topic to Wandsworth’s strict safety procedures – and her younger son, born in 2023, is not going to be exempt.
The jail permits a most of three guests per inmate at a time. New guests have to be fingerprinted for the safety system, and anybody getting into the ability, together with youngsters, should undergo a “frisk search.”
Safety canines are additionally on web site, which means guests could also be topic to searches by passive drug detection groups.
Wandsworth additionally has a strict costume code, warning guests that they could be turned away in the event that they put on cardigans, low-cut tops, low-cut shorts or attire and ripped denims.
Clothes with offensive designs or slogans is prohibited, whereas scarves, gloves, watches, sun shades and hats have to be eliminated earlier than entry, apart from spiritual head coverings.
Nonetheless, jail presents inmates the chance to organize for his or her subsequent act.
Inmates can take part in instructional and vocational coaching, with programs starting from English, arithmetic and computer systems to hairdressing, catering, bicycle restore, gardening, building and radio manufacturing.
Different actions embrace yoga, mindfulness, parenting abilities, embroidery and choir.
Model may also have the chance to keep up contact together with her household, if she needs to remain in contact.
The jail holds month-to-month household days, permitting inmates to spend extra time with their youngsters in a extra relaxed setting, in addition to a homework membership the place fathers may help with their homework.
Video calls, telephone calls and emails are additionally obtainable.
Following a virtually two-year investigation launched after a number of girls went public with their allegations, Model was charged in 2025 with one rely of rape, one rely of oral rape, two counts of sexual assault and one rely of indecent assault.
Model pleaded not responsible and denied the allegations all through his trial.
Following Thursday’s sentencing, Kally Sahota, lawyer and director of Sahota & Sahota Solicitors, completely advised Web page Six that he anticipated Model to be sentenced to “eight or 9 years.”
Model’s sentencing is scheduled for Monday.