Devonport court admin bungle sets man free despite being sentenced to jail
A MAN sentenced to jail was accidentally set free from a Devonport court with authorities taking two days to lock him up.
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A MAN sentenced to jail was accidentally set free from a Devonport court with authorities taking two days to lock him up.
An administrative error at the Magistrates Court meant the man was not placed into custody after his sentencing on Wednesday night.
Magistrate Court administrator Wayne Johnson said a sentencing warrant was not issued to the Tasmania Prison Service.
The man was taken into custody today.
Corrections Minister Vanessa Goodwin labelled it “unacceptable”.
“It is my clear expectation that the Magistrates Court will take whatever steps are necessary to prevent a reoccurrence,” she said.
It follows a series of “administrative” errors within the Tasmania Prison Service which saw seven prisoners released from jail on the wrong date. Six of them were released early.
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Dr Goodwin said Wednesday’s error did not appear to be connected to the prison service.
“There has been no suggestion that any errors were made by the Tasmania Prison Service in relation to this matter,” she said.
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