Jail mistakenly frees reluctant prisoner

NEWCASTLE, England, Dec. 2 (UPI) -- A British prison mistakenly released a drug dealer even though he warned them they were making an error, officials say.

Prosecutors say staffers at Durham Jail insisted that Robert Winthrop, 39, leave the facility even though Winthrop -- who had been convicted of possessing cocaine and methamphetamine with intent to distribute -- told them they were making a mistake and that he belonged in custody, the British tabloid The Sun reported Wednesday.

"(Winthrop) told the prison he should not have been released," Barrister Katherine Dunn told Newcastle Crown Court, adding that Winthrop could not be re-arrested because he had not violated any bail conditions.

The Sun said Judge Beatrice Bolton was incensed, saying in court: "It is extraordinary. The prison has released him with no explanation, no apology to the court. I would like an inquiry to be made as to how it was the defendant was admitted to bail when the court specifically said he was to be remanded in custody and on what authority they released him."

The newspaper said Winthrop, of Hebburn, England, faces a Dec. 9 sentencing drug charges.