A prisoner who remained unlawfully at large after not returning to HMP Prescoed, Usk, when his temporary release had expired will spend a further four months behind bars for the offence.

Ricky Morgan failed to return on September 28 and could not provide a reasonable excuse. At a hearing on September 30 at Newport Magistrates Court, Morgan entered a guilty plea for the offence. The admission was taken into account and a six month custodial sentence was reduced to four.

As the defendant was already a serving prisoner, a suspended sentence does not apply. Judge, Sophie Toms, said that the offence was so serious that only a custodial sentence could be justified.

The offender must also pay costs and surcharges of over £200 upon release.