Vicky Pryce Transferred to Open Prison after Four Days in Holloway

The ex-wife of disgraced Lib Dem MP Chris Huhne has been moved to an open jail after just four nights in London's Holloway prison following her conviction for perverting the course of justice.

Vicky Pryce, 60, began her eight-month sentence last week after a jury rejected her claim to have been coerced by Huhne into taking his speeding points.

Mother-of-five Pryce was driven by high-security van from Holloway to East Sutton Park prison, near Maidstone, Kent.

Pryce, described as "manipulative and devious" by the judge in the case, Mr Justice Sweeney, spent just four nights in Holloway before being transferred.

East Sutton Park , which houses 501 inmates, is described by the UK Ministry of Justice as "a pleasant mansion house overlooking the Weald of Kent".

The prison, which has farms and gardens and runs catering courses, "holds women in open conditions preparing them for resettlement in the community", according to the ministry.

A source at the prison said: "Everyone's amazed at how quickly Pryce was transferred. It usually takes time to sort paperwork, but she did it in record time.

"She'll be a lot happier in East Sutton, the regime's far more relaxed. There won't be a lock-down where you have to return to your room by a set time, for example.

"She will have chores, but it's very different to other jails. She'll be allowed out on day release after a while."

Huhne, a former Lib Dem leadership contender, remains in Wandsworth prison after he too was sentenced to eight months last Monday after pleading guilty to a speeding ban scam.

Huhne, 58, persuaded Pryce to accept his penalty points after he was caught on camera speeding on the M11 in 2003.