Harry Grout

'Genial' Harry Grout, or 'Grouty', as he is often referred to, was a character in the popular BBC sitcom Porridge. Despite appearing in only three episodes (though referred to in many more) and the film, he is one of the best-remembered characters from the series. He was played by Peter Vaughan.

While Slade prison is officially run by the Governor, the prisoners know better. Grouty is the real muscle behind what goes on in the prison. He has his own cell, lavishly decorated and surrounded by 'heavies', and his job in the prison is to look after the swimming pool. This is particularly easy as Slade prison does not have a swimming pool. Grouty marks this down to a clerical error. Interestingly, Grouty never appears in the same scene as Mr MacKay, and accordingly viewers are never certain whether Mr MacKay has attempted to tackle Grouty's control of the prison.

Grouty is feared by all the prisoners. Even Fletcher winces when Grouty requests his services. His schemes include running a drugs ring, funded by the doctor's office and rigging boxing matches. If crossed, Grouty has little hesitation in setting one of his various bodyguards on those who displease him.

In the 2003 mockumentary Norman Stanley Fletcher: Life Beyond the Box, it is revealed that, after he left Slade, Grouty continued running his "business empire" (although he insisted it was now straight, and no-one could prove otherwise), and also became a "celebrity criminal", in a similar manner to Frankie Fraser. He died of a heart attack, but, just before he died, told Fletcher where his stash was hidden. Fletcher is seen laying a memorial wreath at his funeral which simply says "Nerk".