This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/21/police-hunting-prisoner-released-in-error

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Police hunting prisoner released in error Police hunt prisoner released in error
(about 3 hours later)
Police are hunting a prisoner who was released from jail in error. Ryan Byrne, 34, was mistakenly freed from Wandsworth prison in south London, Scotland Yard said.Police are hunting a prisoner who was released from jail in error. Ryan Byrne, 34, was mistakenly freed from Wandsworth prison in south London, Scotland Yard said.
Officers in Hammersmith and Fulham, west London, are looking for Byrne, who is described as white, 5ft 11in and of medium build. He has blue eyes and a goatee beard. Scotland Yard said that Byrne had been sentenced to a total of nine years’ imprisonment earlier this year for burglary and robbery. Police were informed by the prison service on Friday that Byrne had been released in error.Officers in Hammersmith and Fulham, west London, are looking for Byrne, who is described as white, 5ft 11in and of medium build. He has blue eyes and a goatee beard. Scotland Yard said that Byrne had been sentenced to a total of nine years’ imprisonment earlier this year for burglary and robbery. Police were informed by the prison service on Friday that Byrne had been released in error.
The Sun newspaper said Byrne had been taunting police by posing for pictures on the run. He was shown grinning in front of a police van, possibly in London’s Chinatown, and enjoying a pint in a pub. A source told the newspaper: “Byrne was sitting in his cell having a cigarette when he was told he was free to leave. He couldn’t believe it. But he didn’t protest and has been enjoying his freedom.”
Anyone who has seen Byrne or has any information on his whereabouts is asked to contact police on 101.Anyone who has seen Byrne or has any information on his whereabouts is asked to contact police on 101.
A prison service spokeswoman said: “Releases in error are very rare but regrettable occurrences. The number of incidents have fallen significantly in recent years, with figures down by a quarter compared to 2009/10, but every incident is taken extremely seriously and we are not complacent. A prison service spokeswoman said: “Releases in error are very rare but regrettable occurrences. The number of incidents have fallen significantly in recent years, with figures down by a quarter compared to 2009/10, but every incident is taken extremely seriously and we are not complacent. We are investigating this incident. The recapture of this prisoner is now a matter for the police.”
“We are investigating this incident. The recapture of this prisoner is now a matter for the police.”