Inmates leave Kent prison early as part of government's scheme
They've been set free from HMP Swaledale
Inmates have been leaving prison in Kent this morning, as part of the government's extension of its early release scheme.
Inmate Daniel Dowling-Brooks said "big up Keir Starmer" as he was celebrating with friends, mum and sister who picked him up in a convoy of a white Bentley and black Mercedes G-wagon outside of HMP Swaleside.
The 29-year-old told reporters he had been in prison for seven years for kidnap and grievous bodily harm of someone who owed money to his friend, and was leaving jail seven weeks earlier than planned.
He said the first thing he would do is "go to McDonalds, go to my hostel and follow all the rules".
On his crime he said he regrets it and feels bad, adding he would now spend more time with his two children and his friends.
On being released, he added: "I feel good man. I feel happy."
An inmate was reunited with his children who ran at him with a big hug outside HMP Swaleside, in Kent, while another prisoner was welcomed with an embrace as he was picked up in a black Rolls Royce by a group of men in matching hoodies.
A number of men could be seen walking down the road with bin bags slung over their shoulders, one also shaking hands with a security guard, leaving the prison estates on the Isle of Sheppey, which is home to HMP Swaleside, HMP Standford Hill and HMP Elmley.