The court heard Wood was reported missing by his cellmate just before 08:00 BST on 23 September.

Phil Howes, prosecuting, described North Sea Camp as an “open establishment” where inmates were “trusted not to leave”.

“Wood hid his disappearance by stuffing a boiler suit full of clothing and using a pumpkin as a head,” he said.

“This was enough to fool a check at 01:15 BST when a member of prison staff looked through the cell window.”

Wood was located nearly 50 miles (80km) from the prison in the village of South Somercotes at about 18:00 on 24 September.

Police were made aware of his whereabouts when a family member told them they had let him stay overnight in their caravan.