A prison has allowed convicts the use of a 3D printer – which could make pistols and keys for those with the know-how.
Cons were ordered not to create anything to help them escape when they got the hi-tech device worth thousands as part of an educational scheme.
Bosses were told the printer is vital for a graphic arts course at category C Wayland jail.
But a source said: “You couldn’t make it up.
“These devices have been used to make weapons and all sorts. The governors will need to keep a very close eye on it.”
An insider said: “My worry is the printer will be used to make keys and we’ll have an escape on our hands.”
Three-D printers have been used by criminals before. Student Tendai Muswere, 26, was jailed last year for using a similar gizmo to make a gun.
He claimed the weapon was for a film prop, but Southwark crown court in London heard it could fire a lethal shot.
The printers have also been used to make copies of house keys since 2011.
And they have been put to good use by drug smugglers.
A gang in Holland reportedly used one to create bogus Nintendo game cartridges to hide cocaine and other narcotics in the post.
HMP Wayland, near Thetford in Norfolk, is the first jail in Britain to give prisoners a printer.
The move came to light during an inspection by a watchdog.
And the Independent Monitoring Board backed the decision.
It said: “The new Governor has indicated she supports the wider educational aims represented by the arts and the board looks forward in future to a more rounded educational offering.
“The up-to-the-minute skills provided include web and graphic design, video editing and the skills involved in working with 3D printers.”
The board added learning how to use the printer could boost prisoners’ job prospects.
