Model prisoner Kiefer Sutherland

Dec 8, 2007, 7:30 GMT

Keifer Sutherland, EPA/EVERETT KENNEDY BROWN

Kiefer Sutherland spent his first day in jail folding laundry.

The '24' actor started his 48-day sentence for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) and violating his probation on Wednesday (05.12.07), and is already getting stuck in to his jail duties as 'inmate worker'.

Prison Officer John Balian said: "He's a model prisoner. He's not happy to be here, but you can tell from his demeanour that he's sorry and takes responsibility for what he's done."

As well as getting to grips with laundry folding, Kiefer has started exploring the prison's less-than-extensive menu - having cornflakes for breakfast, a turkey sandwich for lunch and chicken a la king for dinner.

Included in his jail duties is serving meals to the other eight to ten inmates in his block through slots in their cell doors.

As an inmate worker Kiefer is allowed to walk around the jail "around 75 per cent of the time" but will spend the rest of his time locked in his eight by ten foot cell, which only contains a toilet, washbasin and water fountain.

Balian added: "He hasn't had any visitors as yet, but has bought several books with him to keep him entertained."

Kiefer - who has three stepchildren and one biological daughter from his two failed marriages - will be spending Christmas in prison unless he is released early.

Balian concluded: "There's no way he's getting out early, unless a judge orders otherwise, which is highly unlikely."

(C) BANG Media International