Inmates at eleven minimum-security prisons in New South Wales are being denied their fortnightly kilo of sugar; for fear that the white stuff will inspire a break out.

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 The move came after a recent violent escape attempt by three prisoners was blamed on a “home” brew created by the men using sugar as the fermenting agent.


Now the prison porridge will have to be sweetened with artificial substitutes and honey, and wardens have been asked to keep a close check on fruit, to check its not being used to make alcohol.


The same ban was first instituted in 16 NSW maximum and medium security prisons in 1998, and will remain in the minimum-security jails until at least next December, when the issue will be reviewed.

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