Briefing: People: Jailed peer to be test case

Lord Brocket, who was jailed for five years over a pounds 4.2m insurance fraud, is to be used as a test case over whether sentences should be reduced for people assaulted in prison.

The 45-year-old Old Etonian, was knifed by gang of inmates in an alleged attempt to stop him giving evidence in a blackmail case against fellow prisoners.

The judges recommended that a full hearing should be held by the Court of Appeal, to establish whether attacks on prisoners serving their sentences were a reason for a reduction of the time spent in jail.

The 3rd Baron Brocket, a sporting friend of the Prince of Wales, was jailed in February last year after admitting that he arranged to have four classic sports cars "stolen" in a bogus raid on his home in Hertfordshire.

- Jason Bennetto