A released prisoner went back behind bars… to finish off a drama course.
The con was sprung halfway through 10 weeks of tuition on acting, singing and improvised comedy.
He then begged for special permission to go back in to complete the sessions at HMP Channings Wood, near Newton Abbot, Devon.
The man had been desperate to take part in the category C prison’s end-of-course play, organised by Plymouth Theatre Royal.
A source said: “It’s fair to say we’ve never had anyone ask to come back before. Normally inmates won’t be seen for dust when they’re told they can go.
“It seems this chap really got into the drama and couldn’t bear not to see the course through.” The prisoner was taking part in a course called Our Space, which has been running since 2009.
It is said to raise self-esteem and help prisoners tell their life stories through drama. The sessions were praised by inspectors from the Independent Monitoring Board watchdog.
Its report revealed: “One prisoner who was discharged before the end-of-course production was so enthusiastic that he requested permission to attend.
“Another has since gained work experience with the Theatre Royal.”
The drama fan is not the only former convict to seek a quick return to jail.
In 2016, it emerged that recently freed offenders were deliberately committing crime to go back inside – to make cash selling drugs.
The Ministry of Justice said of the drama course: “Schemes like this support rehabilitation and help cut reoffending.
“This protects the public and saves the taxpayer money.”
