Prisoner released early to attend freshers’ week

An 18-year-old woman who was caught with £800 worth of class A drugs in her bra was released from prison so she could attend freshers’ week at Middlsex University.

The drugs were found concealed in Daniella Jade Lewis’ underwear after police pulled over the car she was travelling in.

Lewis admitted to the possession of heroin and cocaine with intent to supply, but said the drugs were not hers and that she did not know they were class A.

She was sentenced to 18 months in a young offenders’ institution, but was released after just three months so she could attend university.

In her appeal last week she claimed that she would lose her place at university if she was not released.

Her lawyers claimed that her release would allow her “to become a constructive member of society”.

The court of appeal heard how she had been given a firm place at the university and the judge Mr Justice Lloyd-Jones ruled that she had “unusual mitigation” as she had secured a place at university, had been previously employed and had a good education.

He said the sentence “was excessive to a degree whereby the court could interfere” and reduced her sentence to six months.