A KIDDERMINSTER father-of-eight walked unchallenged out of an open prison so that he could visit his family, Worcester Crown Court was told.

Job Clarke had been in the workshop on September 19 at Hewell Grange, near Redditch, when he did his disappearing act, said Mr Peter Arnold, prosecuting. His absence was noticed at roll call and he was arrested next day after telephoning police.

Clarke, 37, of Eddy Road, admitted escaping from custody. He was ordered to serve an extra month after his current sentence expires on December 23.

Clarke was sentenced to nine months jail in September after pleading guilty to the theft of a £10,000 mini digger.

Mr Amjad Nawaz, defending, said Clarke was worried because the youngest of his eight children was ill and his wife was having difficulty in coping.