Snipes granted bail as he awaits appeal

OCALA, Fla., May 22 (UPI) -- Actor Wesley Snipes will stay out of jail until a higher court reviews his Florida conviction and sentence on tax charges, a federal judge has ruled.

The Orlando Sentinel reported Thursday that the judge has granted Snipes an appellate bond, which means he will remain free until his appeal is complete.

Snipes was sentenced last month to three years in prison.

In his ruling Thursday, U.S. Senior District Judge William Terrell Hodges admitted he was "dubious" of Snipes's reasons for appeal, but he also noted the "Blade" actor is not a substantial flight risk and doesn't pose a danger if he remains free, the Sentinel said.