AN INVESTIGATION has begun after a prisoner was accidentally freed days into a three-month jail term.

Hugh Lawson Gallon was released from Durham Prison 11 days into a 12-week sentence for theft on Friday (January 23).

The 41-year-old, from Newcastle, tried to hand himself in and was back behind bars by Tuesday (January 27), reports suggest.

A Prison Service investigation is now under way.

A spokesman said: “Releases in error are very rare but regrettable occurrences.

“All incidents are formally investigated and the majority are quickly returned to custody to continue serving their sentence.”