Gary Glitter could be released early from prison in Vietman thanks to the country's Lunar New Year celebrations, it has been reported.

The ex-singer was given a three-year jail sentence for sexually molesting girls aged 10 and 11 after being caught last year.

However, the term at Thu Duc detention centre could be cut under a policy of reducing sentences to mark the new year. The Sun has been told that Glitter, real name Paul Gadd, has been nominated.

“He meets all the criteria,” said a spokesman, adding that Glitter had been selected by the centre because of good behaviour and votes from other inmates. Tran Huu Thong, director of the centre, said nearly everyone there selected Glitter.

However, he is likely to be immediately deported to the UK on his release, where he could be charged for "sex toursim" offences.