Police issue urgent appeal to find thief they released from jail by mistake before his sentencing

Uk authorities have issued an urgent appeal to track down a convicted thief after he was accidentally released from prison.

Colin Golding was in prison waiting to be sentenced after he was part of a gang that raided ATMs by exploding them during a 10-month spree across the south of England.

But, following a blunder, police have admitted the 25-year-old was let out of prison by accident.

Golding, from Aldershot, Hants, admitted conspiring to steal and conspiring to cause explosions relating to cash machines following the series of thefts between April 2019 and January 2020.

ATMs across Hampshire, Thames Valley, and Dorset were raided.

Now Hampshire Constabulary is asking the public to help them find the ATM thief.

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman, explaining the blunder, said: ‘We have been made aware that his release from prison has been ordered in error.

‘Officers have carried out extensive enquiries to locate him and we are now turning to the public/you for assistance.

‘Golding is from Aldershot, but also has links to the Surrey and Thames Valley areas.

‘He is described as being white, around 5ft 9ins tall, of slim build and with short dark hair.’

Detective Inspector Steve Court added: ‘We are keen to speak with anyone who has information about Golding’s whereabouts.

‘I also want to appeal directly to Colin, he knows he needs to return to prison and is awaiting sentencing. Please get in touch with us directly and hand yourself in.

‘It is important to remind people that anyone found harbouring him to deliberately obstruct our attempts to find him may be committing an offence and be liable for arrest themselves.’