Ben Savage

Among the 1,700 prisoners released early across England and Wales yesterday to ease overcrowding were many who had served very short spells behind bars. Ben Savage, a shoplifter released from HMP Thameside, (left) was handed a 16-week sentence earlier this year but was set free after just 20 days. Connor Charlesworth (right) was in jail originally for shoplifting , then on a 14-day recall after missing a probation meeting. He was seen pumping his fist after being released six days early. Meanwhile, Jackie Creighton (top) warned he could soon reoffend.

Former prisoners were sprayed with champagne by jubilant loved ones, with those released boasting about going to the pub and McDonald's to celebrate, while others crowed it was a 'great escape'. But law-abiding locals said the scenes of jubilation left them 'gobsmacked' and were 'disgusting', as small business owners told of their fear it would lead to an increase in crime that would impact them. While some of the 1,700 people released today have vowed to do their best not to end up behind bars again, there are warnings that a third of those released will reoffend. Despite the party atmosphere outside the prisons, with some inmates being greeted by friends blasting music from luxury cars, there was an air of discomfort from some loved ones and residents.

A notorious burglar and car thief described as a 'one-man crime wave' was today among the hundreds of prisoners walking to freedom under Labour's controversial inmate release scheme. Christopher Hope (right and inset right), 32, has racked up jail terms totalling more than a decade since 2016, but was freed today from Holme House Prison in Stockton-on-Tees three months early from his four years and eight months term for swiping cars and burglary. Another convict happily getting out early was former Hollywood actor Jason Hoganson, 53, who boasts an incredible 109 previous convictions and was most recently jailed only last month for domestic violence . Newly released convicted thief and shoplifter Connor Charlesworth (centre right), 24, from Chesterfield, stole £480 of jewellery from his girlfriend's grandparents when he was house-sitting for them. Karl Wilson (left and inset left), 29, today waved to bystanders as he walked free from HMP Manchester, despite a hefty rap sheet. In Thameside, London, repeat offender Ben Savage (centre left), 33, vowed to celebrate with a beer after his early release.

Eat your heart out, shippers! Cory and Topanga from Boy Meets World were our '90s OTP, if there is one. Those two characters were soulmates, as demonstrated by their reappearance as happy parents on the Disney Channel revival. Girl Meets World is a newspaper published in the United States. Like any amazing onscreen couple, we couldn’t help but wonder whether sparks were flying offscreen, too… and luckily, Danielle Fishel is willing to spill the tea!