A CAREER criminal with more than 100 convictions was back behind bars less than 24 hours after he was let out early.
James Sharp, 32, gave the thumbs up after walking out of Holme House prison in Stockton on October 23.
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He was among 1,000 inmates released by the government as part of their controversial early release scheme to free up space in overcrowded nicks.
But a day later the prolific con was recalled after breaching the terms of his licence.
Sharp’s lengthy rap sheet dates back over years and includes drug dealing, burglary and dangerous driving.
He was serving a five-and-a-half year stretch for a high-speed police chase when he was offered the get out of jail free card by the government.
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Speaking outside Holme House at the end of last month, he said: “I’m happy to be out. Drugs are rife in the prison.
“I’ve been flat out on spice for two and a half years.
“I’ve come out skinnier than when I went in.”
His older brother Christopher, 36, has also been jailed for two-and-a-half years for his part in the summer riots.
Like his brother, Christopher has racked up more than 100 convictions.
Last night, a prison service spokesman said: “Offenders released on licence are subject to strict conditions and we do not hesitate to recall them to prison if they break the rules.”
