The prisoner was released from Maghaberry Prison on Wednesday A prisoner charged with serious sexual offences has been released in “error” by the Northern Ireland Prison Service.
Devidas Paliutis, 27, appeared at Newry Magistrates Court via a video link from Maghabery Prison on Wednesday.
The Prison Service was told by the court that the holding charges had been withdrawn but did not realise he had been returned for trial to the Crown Court on other charges.
A search is underway to find him.
Devidas Paliutis is also charged with unlawful and injurious imprisonment and theft.
After his appearance via video link, the Prison Service was advised that the holding charges were withdrawn from the Magistrates Court.
However they failed to act on the notification that other charges had been substituted, for which he was returned for trial to the Crown Court, and erroneously released Mr Paliutis.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland, An Garda Siochána and Interpol have been advised and are co-ordinating efforts to have Mr Paliutis returned to custody.
Steps are being taken to safeguard the interests of the victim of the alleged crime.
Justice Minister David Ford has ordered an immediate and full inquiry into the circumstances which led to this release.
Mr Ford said he will invite the Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice to review the findings.
This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.