Increasing the number of prisoners released early on tag and giving governors permission to use temporary release far more extensively would be a start.

Thousands more prisoners may be allowed out of jail to work and help charities under a relaxation of rules for temporary release.

The government ordered an immediate ban last night on the temporary release or transfer to an open jail of prisoners who had previously escaped.

A spokesman said temporary release licences could be revoked if a lag was deemed a risk to public safety.

The result isn't the most rewarding work of cinematic escapism you will ever see, but it still gives you a diverting temporary release from reality.