Inmate mistakenly released from prison despite telling guards he should stay

Inmate mistakenly released from prison despite telling guards he should stay

Staff at a prison wrongly released an inmate despite the fact he told them he should not be freed, a court has heard.

Robert Winthrop, 39, told guards at Durham Prison he was meant to remain locked up while awaiting sentence on drugs charges.

But the inmate, who has admitted cocaine and amphetamine dealing, was told to pack up and leave the top security prison.

Winthrop's barrister Katherine Dunn told Newcastle Crown Court that he had contacted his solicitor and said "they've released me".

Miss Dunn said: "He told the prison he should not have been released."

Winthrop, of William Street, Hebburn, was invited to attend the hearing on Monday, but failed to show.

Judge Beatrice Bolton demanded in inquiry into how such a mistake could have happened.

When he entered his guilty plea at the original hearing he had been remanded in custody by the judge until sentencing on December 9.

Judge Bolton said: "It is quite extraordinary.

"The prison have released him with no explanation, no apology to the court.

"I would like an inquiry to be made with Durham as to how it was the defendant was admitted to bail when the court specifically said he was to be remanded in custody in relation to this matter and on what authority Durham prison released him.

"I would also like to know whether any notice at all was taken of the defendant when he told those who released him that he should not be released or whether he was just ignored."

The court heard Winthrop had been told that he was facing an inevitable prison sentence after admitting possessing cocaine and amphetamine with intent.

Judge Bolton added: "He was told on the last occasion that the basis of plea, based on his interview, went to the length of his sentence.

"The prison knew he was going to be dealt with by way of a custodial sentence and they've seen fit to release him."

Comment: Is it any wonder that a prison governor has defied a court order when Jack Straw treats the law with such contempt in the Prisoners Votes Case?