'What you sayin', cuzzy?' HMP Nottingham prisoners released early greeted by pals

Smiles and handshakes were on display at HMP Nottingham today (Tuesday, October 22) as local prisoners were among more than 1,000 nationwide to be freed early. A number of men exited the doors of the Perry Road facility between 8 and 11.30am, with some greeted by friends and family members eager to pick them up and celebrate their newfound freedom.

One former inmate had two friends waiting for him at the door, with the pair stepping out of the hatchback in jubilation as the big wooden door slid back and they saw their pal appear. "You look different, you know," said one of them to the man.

"Fresh home," said the other. "What you sayin', cuzzy?" replied the free man.

The men were let go one by one in a slow morning process, with each ex-prisoner walking out of the building between 15 minutes and half an hour after than the previous one. Nottinghamshire Live asked a number if they would like to speak about their emotions on the big day, but all declined the offer.

Most wore grey tracksuits and carried large, clear plastic bags full of belongings - mostly clothes. Some were picked up in cars by family members and some exited to make their own way home.

Their early release is part of a government scheme as the Labour Party looks to free up space in overcrowded jails. Tuesday's release was the second such event since the plan was put into action, with the first having taken place on September 10.

Only those who have served more than 40% of their sentence are eligible for release. Serious violent offenders with sentences more than four years long and sex offenders were not eligible.

A recent report found that HMP Nottingham was operating under "constant pressure" due to capacity issues, with some inmates locked in their cells for 22 hours a day. HMP Ranby, in north Nottinghamshire, is another prison where space is scarce, and the facility is currently having two modular house blocks built to accommodate more than 100 extra inmates.

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden told Nottinghamshire Live in September that the Probation Service had reassured him that prisoners released will be "managed and monitored sensitively as to their licence conditions". He said the programme had been successful so far, and said that he had been "reassured that this was handled effectively".