A SERIAL shoplifter remains behind bars after losing his bid to have a prison sentence cut short on appeal.

Terence Clegg, 23, was mistakenly released from Durham Prison and remained at large for a fortnight last October after an administrative identity mix up with his 51-year-old father, who has the same name.

Both were sharing a cell at the prison awaiting trial on charges of conspiracy to steal.

A judge granted an application for Mr Clegg senior to be released on bail, but, following the clerical error, it was his son who was freed from the prison.

Having won his unexpected freedom Clegg junior remained at liberty until the next hearing in the case, a fortnight later, when he was returned to custody.

Durham Crown Court heard that following his eventual genuine release he was convicted of shoplifting in December and January, but received community sentences in both cases.

But he was jailed for 16 weeks by North Durham magistrates at Consett last month for a further three theft charges, stealing bottles of rum-based spirit and champagne from Asda stores in Stanley, County Durham, and South Shields, plus from a Newcastle off-licence, in March.

He appealed against that sentence, but another clerical mix-up meant that the it was his father's details which were sent to Durham Prison and so Clegg junior was not present for yesterday's appeal hearing at the crown court.

Andrew Walker, for Clegg junior, said the hearing could take place in his absence as he had received adequate briefing from his client.

Mr Walker claimed the sentence was "excessive", given that the goods were recovered in two of the three cases and as he pleaded guilty.

Recorder Peter Johnson, sitting with two magistrates, said given Clegg's offending history: "We're of the view that there's nothing wrong with the sentence and the court can therefore dismiss the appeal."

Clegg junior, of Kinross Drive, Kenton, Newcastle, must, therefore, serve the rest of the sentence.