Author Mark Haddon praises prison book judgement

Author Mark Haddon, who helped launch a petition against a ban on prisoners receiving books from outside, has praised a judgement ruling the restriction unlawful.

Mr Justice Collins at The High Court said he could see "no good reason" for the ban.

Under the current rules prisoners are prevented from receiving parcels unless they have "exceptional circumstances", such as a medical condition.

The case was brought by a female inmate who has a degree and a doctorate in English literature.

Speaking to the BBC's Tim Willcox, Mr Haddon said it was "bizarre the government said books should be kept away from prisoners as a way of controlling their behaviour."