Comic Russell took part in a Dragons Den-style competition for armed robbers and arsonists at one of the UK’s toughest prisons
Funnyman on panel alongside business leaders at HMP Pentonville who heard lags pitch their business ideas
RUSSELL Brand took part in a Dragons Den-style competition for armed robbers and arsonists at one of the UK’s toughest prisons - with the winner getting a £500 prize fund.
The comedian visited HMP Pentonville to listen to violent lags pitch their business ideas behind bars.
Dad-to-be Russell - who recently popped the question to pregnant girlfriend Laura Gallacher - joined a panel of entrepreneurs and business leaders at the event, organised by training organisation Principles In Finance.
Brand was one of seven judges on the panel.
The winning lag's business idea was for a mobile tailoring service which makes 'same-day' alterations to garments.
He will receive £500 on leaving the jail and advice from one of the businessmen on the judging panel.
Other cons who took part will also receive guidance from experts on release.
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A source told The Sun: “There was a Dragons Den-style event which involved prisoners pitching their business ideas to a handful of 'Dragons', made up of non-famous businessmen and Russell.
“It was all a bit weird. You had a load of prisoners, many of who have never shown remorse for their crimes, pitching their business ideas to an ex-drug addict.
“You couldn’t make it up. It was a bizarre situation.”
The winner of the jail competition will be handed the cash windfall when they leave prison.
Brand, 41, was shown into the notoriously tough North London jail on June 15 along with business experts.
It is understood sex offenders and murderers were banned from the event, but all other prisoners at the category B and C jail were allowed to take part.
Reports have consistently shown that Pentonville is one of the most violent, overcrowded prisons in the UK, blighted by drug abuse and even cockroach infestations.
Frances Cook, chief executive for the Howard League for Penal Reform, recently said: "When a prison is asked to hold 350 more prisoners than it is designed for, we should not be surprised when it fails.”
Famous inmates have included George Best on drink driving charges and singers Boy George and George Michael.
Serial womaniser Brand has been arrested more than 12 times for his drug use and described his first use of heroin as “blissful”.
A Ministry of Justice spokeswoman told The Sun: “Our prison reforms mean offenders will be given the chance to turn their lives around.
"By providing them with the skills and opportunities they need to find work, we can help reduce reoffending, cut crime and make our streets safer."
London-based charity Principles in Finance, which delivers workshops in prisons, chose not to comment.
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