A JUDGE has issued an arrest warrant for a Cinderford man who was mistakenly released from jail while being remanded for malicious wounding and aggrevated burglary in Coleford.

James Taplin was due to have appeared before Gloucester Crown Court today (Friday) but did not appear.

His solicitor, Sarah Jenkins, told the court that he had ‘apparently been released in error’ by Hewell Prison in Worcestershire. The judge, Recorder Don Tait, said: “He is probably enjoying his ill-gotten freedom then, isn’t he?” Ms Jenkins said that since his unexpected release Taplin had been in touch with her firm of solicitors to let them know what had happened - but there had been no contact from him since. “He is still unlawfully at large at the moment, albeit that seems to have been a prison error rather than his own doing,” she said. She doubted, however, whether he had ‘the means or wherewithal’ to have gone far from his home territory, the Forest of Dean, she added. When the judge said he would be issuing a warrant for Taplin’s arrest Ms Jenkins said “I understand he is already being looked for.” Taplin, of High Street, Cinderford, was remanded in custody by Cheltenham magistrates on September 24 facing a charge that two days before he had attacked a man with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm and aggravated burglary at Tufthorn Avenue.

But on October 4, Gloucestershire Police issued an appeal for information on Taplin after it was reported he was seen near the Angel Hotel in Coleford with a knife. The appeal prompted The Forester to ask: “Is ‘knife’ man in jail or at large?”

They said at that time “Officers want to speak to James Taplin, aged 24, and of High Street, in connection with being in possession of a bladed weapon. “Taplin is described as being white, 6ft in height, and of medium build. He has short black hair and a black beard. “He was last seen near to the Angel pub in Coleford last night (Monday 3 October), when he was believed to be in possession of offensive weapons. “Officers have completed a number of enquiries to locate Taplin and they are now appealing for information from the public. “Anyone who has seen Taplin or has any information on his whereabouts is asked to call Gloucestershire Constabulary on 101 quoting 443 of October 3. Dial 999 if he is seen at the time of calling.