1:00pm Saturday 16th January 2010
STAFF at Chelmsford prison will not be disciplined after a murder suspect was freed by mistake.
Jason Bethell, 31, from Jaywick, was released from the jail last November.
He was remanded in custody after being charged with the murder of 58-year-old John Smith in Jaywick.
He later handed himself in.
The incident led to West Chelmsford MP Simon Burns writing to the Ministry of Justice asking for an explanation of why the error happened.
A letter from Minister of State Maria Eagle says the investigation which took place “considered there was insufficient evidence to take disciplinary action against any member of staff”.
She goes on to explain that “there were a number of factors which contributed to this release”.
The letter adds: “Procedures were in place to prevent this from happening, but administrative errors meant these procedures were not properly followed. Clearly, this breach of procedures is unacceptable and recommendations have been made to prevent recurrence.”
Mr Burns said: “It is most unfortunate a mistake of this nature should have occurred, particularly given the seriousness of the charges.
“This should never have happened and I hope the recommendations made to tighten up the situation ensure a mistake of this type never happens again.”
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