Inmate loudly objects to his release

MEMPHIS, Feb. 9 (UPI) -- A Tennessee nightclub owner held on drug charges has been freed -- against his will.

Prosecutors dropped felony drug charges against Thorne Peters Monday, citing inadequate proof, The Memphis Commercial Appeal reported.

Since Peters faced only misdemeanor marijuana charges, Judge Bobby Carter Tuesday dropped his $25,000 bond and ordered him released on his own recognizance.

"You're sending me into the snow with a tank top and pajama bottoms?" Peters shouted.

"You've been in jail 19 months," Carter replied. "You only have a simple possession case left and the maximum punishment is 11 months and 29 days. You're entitled to your day in court, but I'm not going to hold you in jail all week. My job is to make sure you get a trial."

As Peters kept protesting his release, Carter had him removed from court. He set trial for Feb. 22.

Peters, 48, had been in jail since his Imbibrios Bar in Millington was closed down in July 2009 as a public nuisance for allegedly allowing drug use and sales.