Criminal too tall for prison, judge rules

A 220cm (7ft 2) criminal has been released from jail in the UK after a judge accepted prison beds and uniforms were too small for him.

English man Jude Medcalf, 23, suffers from Klinefelter Syndrome, a growth disorder which leaves him with adolescent emotions.

After being diagnosed with the condition, Medcalf went on a crime spree which culminated in him firing a BB gun at his girlfriend, cracking a window in the process.

He pleaded guilty to possessing an imitation firearm and a bladed article, criminal damage and burglary, and was remanded in custody until he was sentenced.

But a judge freed him without any further prison time after judging he was too big for prison.

"He has spent 75 days in prison on remand and he is not somebody who copes well because of the physical aspects in terms of accommodation, bedding and clothing," defense lawyer William Parkhill said.

"He is also a target because he is big enough to be seen as someone who it is impressive to assault but immature enough that he cannot deal with it."

Instead of giving him a further sentence, Recorder Adam Vaitilingam QC freed him, ruling that his syndrome caused people to pick on him.