A BURGLAR caught on the same CCTV cameras that put him at the centre of a controversial court case last year is back on the streets of Hampshire - after being jailed for a night.

Sam Paskins was given a nine-month sentence after admitting burgling a flat in which he stole an air rifle and a hunting knife.

But after a judge sent him down he was freed the following day - because he had already served half his sentence on remand.

Paskins, a father of one, is now a free man - but he could be recalled to prison immediately if he re-offends. However, he is not on licence, as that only applies to people given more than 12 months in prison.

The 23-year-old had been in custody since being arrested for the break-in at the home of his former friend Ben Turner and his girlfriend Lucy Nicholson in July last year.

As reported, he left the apartment, in Havre Towers, Weston, a short time later carrying the air rifle and 1ft knife.

Mr Turner's 3ft pet lizard, Khan, suffered injuries from which he died later the same night.

However, Paskins was caught after police spotted him on a CCTV system put in place in 2005 at the tower blocks.

The same cameras filmed Paskins being kicked by a police officer outside neighbouring Hampton Towers after he escaped while being arrested.

PC Dan Turner, formerly of Bitterne Police, was seen assaulting Paskins and was later found guilty following a hearing at Andover Magistrates' Court.

The Daily Echo would like to clarify that in a previous report Paskins was wrongly referred to as a prolific burglar.

He in fact has carried out two burglaries, has numerous previous convictions for car theft and a record for possession of cannabis.

Paskins, of Wool-ston Road, Netley, pleaded guilty to a charge of burglary and received a ten-month sentence, red-uced to nine months because of his plea.

A spokesman for the Government's Min-istry of Justice, in charge of prisons, said it was usual practice that criminals convicted of determinate offences such as burglary would serve half of the sentence handed down.

A spokesman said: "Offenders who are sentenced to less than 12 months are released automatically at the halfway point. They are not on licence.

"The second half of their sentence is however at risk' in that the offender may be required to serve part, if not all, of that remaining time if they reoffend."