Prisoner found after being 'accidentally' released from Sydney jail

Police have found a prisoner who had been accidentally released from a Sydney prison.

Corey Hastings, 30, left the Long Bay Correctional Complex in Matraville about 1pm yesterday in what Corrective Services NSW blamed on an "administration error".

But following a major search by police, he was found in a hotel at Bondi, in Sydney's eastern suburbs, at 6am today.

READ MORE: Sam Kerr's legal team to challenge wording of alleged slur

He has been taken to Waverley police station and arrangements are being made to return him to the prison.

A Corrective Services NSW spokesperson said the agency was investigating how the release error happened.

"CSNSW staff are required to follow detailed procedures when processing inmate detention, sentencing decisions and releases from custody," they said.

"The release was due to an administration error following a court appearance."

READ MORE: Police to allege Samantha Murphy was murdered in 'deliberate act'

Hastings, who was on remand on dangerous driving and other related charges, was listed for a mention in Wagga Wagga District Court yesterday.

It's understood he appeared via video link, not in person.