#police-manhunt

#police-manhunt

A fraudster mistakenly released from prison this week has handed himself back into HMP Wandsworth, in southwest London, Surrey police said. William Smith, 35, usually known as Billy Smith, was sentenced to 45 months for multiple fraud offences by video link from Croydon crown court on Monday, but was then released in error by the prison. A clerical mistake by the court led to the prison being told it was a suspended sentence, which meant he no longer had to be detained.

"diligent and fast-paced investigation."

We are urgently working with police to return an offender to custody following a release in error at HMP Chelmsford. Public protection is our top priority, and we have launched an investigation into this incident.