A MAN was released from prison on Christmas Eve with no money, nowhere to live and no one to turn to for help.

Blackburn magistrates heard by the time the festive period was over a warrant had been issued for the arrest of Andrew Joseph Fancy for being in breach of post-custodial supervision requirements.

And despite not committing any further offences Fancy was sent back to prison.

Fancy, 44, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to breach of post-custodial supervision in Burnley and was jailed for 14 days.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said his client felt a genuine sense of frustration.

“The government has promised to make sure that everyone released from prison has somewhere to go,” said Mr Taylor.

“That is the situation my client was in when he was released on Christmas Eve. There was nowhere he could go to get help.

“He has remained offence free which hasn’t been easy because he hasn’t received any benefits yet.”

Mr Taylor said his client felt it was nonsensical that he was released from prison with absolutely nothing.

“He accepts he will probably be returned to prison but that will only put him back in the same position,” said Mr Taylor.

“He will be released to nothing and the cycle will start again.”

The chairman of the magistrates said they could understand the defendant’s frustration.

“But there is also accountability and you could have done more to maintain contact in our view,” he said.