RENEGADE spy David Shayler has been moved from the high security jail at Belmarsh to Ford open prison after authorities decided he could be trusted under a more relaxed regime.

They decided he was a category D case, which means he is unlikely to escape and poses no threat to others.

Although he was sentenced to six months for breaching the Official Secrets Act last month, Shayler is hoping to be released with a tag in time for Christmas, having served just six weeks of his sentence.

"He is not getting any special treatment but it would be great if he can get out with a tag," said Shayler's girlfriend Annie Machon.

"He is just going through a very normal process and would still be restricted but it would mean we can be together."

Open prisons like HMP Ford are based on trust and have no locks or bars, so effectively prisoners could leave any time they like.

Shayler's girlfriend Annie Machon said he was relieved to be no longer sharing a cell with killers and terrorists since his move at the end of last week.

She added: "It is so bad because of the staff shortages that the inmates used to call it Hellmarsh instead of Belmarsh."

If Shayler is released on a tag he will be on an overnight curfew and will have make sure he is at home or he could be arrested and sent back to prison.

But as he and Miss Machon live on Osea Island, in Maldon, outside London, they will have to time any outside pursuits with the tide to make sure he is home in time

"It is going to be challenging but I am sure we can mange it," she said.

"It is a shame he won't be able to get back to Middlesbrough to watch the football but I think he will be watching it on the television."