A Christchurch prisoner was released from a six-month prison sentence after just 10 days due to a "computer cock-up".
Faalilo Faalilo, 33, was allowed to leave Christchurch Men's Prison on Monday but told yesterday he had to return to jail.
The father of five was sentenced to six
months' prison for driving while disqualified and excess blood alcohol.
Yesterday a warden called The Press newspaper to say he had to return to prison today as his release was due to a "computer cock-up".
The Corrections Department has launched an investigation into the wrongful release, the paper said.
Faalilo said his surprise release had delighted his five children, but now he had to explain to them why he had to return to prison.
"I can't really think about it. It is destroying me at the moment," he said.
Faalilo said he asked wardens why he was being released early but was not given a clear answer.
Christchurch Men's Prison manager John Roper said Faalilo's sentence had been miscalculated.
"Prison sentences are complex to calculate. We deal with over 12,000 prisoners each year. Unfortunately from time to time we may get these calculations wrong, which has happened in this case," he said.
A procedure the prison had in place for double-checking sentence calculations had resulted in Faalilo being called back to complete the rest of his sentence, Mr Roper said.
Faalilo was acquitted of attempted murder in 1999 for the shooting of Oliva Twist Sitani in a shop doorway in Lichfield Street the previous year.
- NZPA
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